Why Are Disposable Gowns Better Than Reusable Ones?

By Author: Swati Shukla
Total Articles: 8
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Our lives were curved upside down by the deadly disease that struck us in the year 2020. Not only did our lives get changed, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way people look at the medical fraternity. Doctors and other healthcare workers are now respected more than ever. They are now called the ‘warriors.’ Throughout the pandemic, the pictures of doctors wearing disposable gown and gloves went viral. The doctors’ gown became a symbol of the human spirit. But this pandemic has also re-ignited an old debate related to gowns. Which is better, a disposable gown or a reusable one?
For finding the answer, we need to look at some of the important factors at play:
Suitability:
Disposable gown are widely used across Europe for surgeries. Whereas, in the USA, there has been an increase in the usage of their counterparts. The main function of a gown is to prevent the covering of the doctor from approaching in contact with the hide of the patient. And in infectious and viral diseases like COVID-19, it has become more important than the gowns are more impenetrable.
Earlier reusable gowns were used more, ...
... but with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable gowns are being used increasingly. They are more suitable in protecting the transmission of the virus because of the material that is used to make them.
Another reason for the reusable gowns losing popularity is that due to continuous washing, they lose their protective qualities, as well as they look. They tend to become more unsafe. Without proper sterilisation, there are high chances that the infection gets transmitted through them.
Ease of use:
The reusable gowns are easier to use because of the fabric they are made up of. They have less risk of getting torn. They can be washed like any other garment and reused. So, they definitely have the upper hand here. Although, we must remember that they need to be sterilised properly before getting reused.
Bacterial impermeability:
Recent studies have shown that the disposable gown offers better bacterial impermeability. On the other hand, with regular washing and longer usage, reusable gowns lose this property. Reusable gowns become more breathable, and this leads to easier transmission of pathogens. So, disposable gowns will be a better bet to act as a barrier between the doctor and the patient.
So, even although it costs more, a disposable gown is what the doctors and medical fraternity prefers. It will not be incorrect to speak that in prospect, we will see throwaway ones being used more widely.
Isolation disposable gown