Cover Me Now’s focus is reusable/washable PPE isolation gowns that conform to Levels 1-4 protection barriers. Our gowns are made for healthcare professionals, dental clinics, long-term care facilities, educational institutions and the public-at-large.
Identified as the second most used piece of PPE equipment in the healthcare industry following gloves, isolation gowns help to reduce the immediate threat of direct contact.
The impact penetration test is one of several used to evaluate Level 1-4 barrier materials for medical personnel personal and protective equipment. Impact penetration tests measure the resistance of fabrics to the penetration of water by impact. The test was developed to predict the probable rain penetration resistance of a fabric and most methods still include this language in the scope. There are several versions of this test, all based on the original AATCC test method. Anyone developing, producing, or testing surgical gowns, isolation gowns, other protective apparel, surgical drapes, or drape accessories is required to understand how to select the correct test method.
➤ Used for MINIMAL risk situations
➤ BARRIER PROTECTION: Provides a slight barrier to small amounts of fluid penetration
➤ ANSI/AAMI PB70: Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in health care facilities
➣ TEST: AATCC 42 IMPACT PENETRATION - Measures the resistance of fabrics to the liquid penetration of water by impact
➤ Used for LOW risk situations
➤ BARRIER PROTECTION: Provides a barrier to larger amounts of fluid penetration through splatter and some fluid exposure through soaking
➤ ANSI/AAMI PB70: Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in health care facilities
➣ TEST: AATCC 42 IMPACT PENETRATION - Measures the resistance of fabrics to the liquid penetration of water by impact
➣ TEST: AATCC 127 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE - Measures the resistance of a fabric to the penetration of water under hydrostatic pressure
➤ Used for MODERATE risk situations
➤ BARRIER PROTECTION: Provides a barrier to larger amounts of fluid penetration through splatter and more fluid exposure through soaking than Level 2
➤ ANSI/AAMI PB70: Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in health care facilities
➣ TEST: AATCC 42 IMPACT PENETRATION - Measures the resistance of fabrics to the liquid penetration of water by impact
➣ TEST: AATCC 127 HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE - Measures the resistance of a fabric to the penetration of water under hydrostatic pressure
➤ Used for HIGH risk situations
➤ BARRIER PROTECTION: Prevents all fluid penetration for up to 1 hour and may prevent VIRUS penetration for up to 1 hour
➤ TEST REQUIREMENTS:
➣ TEST: ASTM F1670 - Evaluates resistance of materials used in protective clothing to penetration by synthetic blood under conditions of continuous liquid contact
➣ TEST: ASTM F1671 - Measures penetration by blood-borne pathogens using a surrogate microbe under conditions of continuous liquid contact
Learn more about impact penetration testing for textiles from the AATCC here.
The CDC states 3 factors that influence the selection of a gown or apron as PPE:
PURPOSE: Isolation gowns are generally the preferred PPE for clothing. Gowns should fit comfortably over the body and fully cover the torso and have long sleeves that fit snuggly at the wrist.
MATERIAL: Isolation gowns are made from either of cotton or a spun synthetic material. Cotton and spun synthetic material isolation gowns vary in their degree of fluid resistance. If fluid penetration is likely, a fluid resistant gown should be used.
RISK: Clean or sterile gowns are generally used for isolation. Clean gowns are used more for isolation purposes, while sterile gowns are only necessary for performing invasive procedures.
Learn more about choosing which gown to use from the CDC here and from the FDA here.