What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 4 gowns?
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What is the difference between Level 3 and Level 4 gowns?
Gowns are an essential protective garment in various industries, especially in healthcare settings. They serve as barriers against infectious materials and help ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. Two commonly used gown levels are Level 3 and Level 4. While these gowns might appear similar at a glance, there are distinct differences between them. So, let's delve into these discrepancies and understand the dissimilarity between Level 3 and Level 4 gowns.
1. Barrier Performance:
Level 3 gowns offer a moderate level of barrier protection. They are designed to provide a barrier against blood and body fluids, without the need for total imperviousness. These gowns typically have a high water resistance rating and are suitable for procedures with moderate risks of exposure, such as arterial blood draws and inserting intravenous lines.
In contrast, Level 4 gowns offer the highest level of barrier protection. They are designed to be impermeable and provide a barrier against fluid penetration for extended periods. Level 4 gowns are recommended for procedures with a high risk of exposure to infectious agents or large volumes of fluid, such as surgeries, trauma cases, and cases involving highly contagious diseases.
2. Material and Construction:
Level 3 gowns are usually made from nonwoven, spun-bond polypropylene fabric that offers good breathability and comfort. These gowns are typically lightweight, making them suitable for procedures that require extensive movement and flexibility. They often feature knit cuffs at the wrists to ensure a secure fit and prevent any potential fluid exposure.
On the other hand, Level 4 gowns are constructed using more advanced materials and techniques. These gowns are typically made from a combination of nonwoven polyethylene films and nonwoven polypropylene fabrics. The use of multiple layers and laminates ensures enhanced protection and durability. Level 4 gowns also feature elasticized cuffs and taped seams for enhanced security and fluid resistance.
3. Recognizable Design Features:
To differentiate between Level 3 and Level 4 gowns easily, they often have identifying design features. Level 3 gowns commonly have a yellow color coding, allowing healthcare professionals to quickly identify them and make the appropriate gown selection based on the required level of protection.
Level 4 gowns, on the other hand, are often color-coded with a royal blue color. This visual distinction helps healthcare workers identify them as gowns with the highest level of protection. Such clear color codes facilitate efficient removal and safe disposal of contaminated gowns, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
4. Compliance with Standards:
Both Level 3 and Level 4 gowns comply with specific industry standards to ensure their effectiveness and safety. These standards include the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1670/F1670M and ASTM F1671/F1671M. These tests evaluate the gown's resistance to synthetic blood penetration and the penetration of viral aerosol, respectively.
Level 3 gowns need to meet ASTM F1670/F1670M, indicating their ability to resist fluid penetration. However, they may not necessarily offer protection against viral penetration (ASTM F1671/F1671M), making them unsuitable for certain high-risk scenarios.
On the other hand, Level 4 gowns satisfy both the ASTM F1670/F1670M and ASTM F1671/F1671M standards. This indicates their ability to provide a high level of protection against both fluid and viral penetration.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between Level 3 and Level 4 gowns is crucial to ensure appropriate gown selection in various healthcare scenarios. While Level 3 gowns offer moderate fluid barrier protection, Level 4 gowns provide the highest level of protection against both fluids and viral penetration. Additionally, Level 4 gowns are constructed using more advanced materials and are often color-coded to distinguish them from Level 3 gowns easily. By adhering to industry standards, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions regarding the choice of gowns, ultimately ensuring the safety of all parties involved.
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