Surgical gowns and drapes are an essential part of every operating room. They are designed to protect the patient and the surgical team from any possible contamination by providing a barrier against fluids such as blood, bodily fluids, and other infectious materials. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) provides a set of standards for surgical gowns and drapes that help maintain patient and personnel safety during surgical procedures. In this blog, we'll focus on AAMI Level 2 gowns and why they are important.

AAMI Level 2 Surgical Gowns

AAMI Level 2 surgical gowns are designed for moderate risk and lower-risk surgical procedures. They provide a barrier against liquids, but they are not intended for use in surgeries where heavy amounts of fluids are expected. These gowns are considered level 2 because they provide the second-lowest level of protection according to AAMI. They are typically used in procedures such as laparoscopic surgeries, cataract surgeries, and basic dental procedures.

AAMI Level 2 surgical gowns are made of either a spun-bonded polypropylene fabric or a SMS (spun-bonded-meltblown-spun-bonded) fabric. They are lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, which is important for the comfort of the surgical team during long procedures. Level 2 gowns have long sleeves with elastic cuffs to provide a better fit, and they have a full-length front opening with ties or snaps for easy access and removal.

Why AAMI Ratings are Important

The AAMI has developed a set of standards for surgical gowns, drapes, and other protective equipment to help reduce the risk of contamination during surgical procedures. The standards specify the performance requirements for the protective equipment, including the level of protection against fluids, which is measured in levels 1-4.

The AAMI rating system provides guidance to healthcare workers and facilities in choosing the appropriate level of protection for the specific type of surgical procedure being performed. The AAMI levels are based on the amount of fluid that is expected during the surgery, the length of the procedure, and the complexity of the procedure.

The AAMI standards ensure that all surgical personnel are protected against infection during surgical procedures. This is especially important in the current environment where the transmission of infectious diseases is a constant concern.

Conclusion

AAMI Level 2 surgical gowns provide an essential level of protection for moderate-risk surgical procedures. They provide a barrier against fluids and are comfortable and breathable for surgical personnel during long procedures. The AAMI rating system ensures that all surgical personnel are protected against infection, and it provides guidance on the appropriate level of protection for the specific type of surgical procedure. When choosing surgical gowns, it is important to consider the level of protection required, the length of the procedure, and the complexity of the procedure to ensure that all surgical personnel are properly protected.