The sterilization method of surgical gowns mainly depends on their materials and designs. Generally speaking, surgical gowns can be divided into two types: disposable and reusable, and their sterilization methods are also different.
For disposable surgical gowns, since they are usually provided in sterile packaging, they are sterile before the package is opened. Once the package is opened and worn, these surgical gowns are generally considered contaminated and should not be used again. If the surgical gown needs to be sterilized additionally during surgery (for example, it is accidentally contaminated during surgery), this is generally not recommended because it may destroy the integrity or protective performance of the surgical gown. However, in some special cases, if the surgical gowns are made of materials that can withstand high temperatures and pressures, they may be able to be resterilized by methods such as autoclaving or ethylene oxide sterilization. But please note that this needs to be done under the guidance and advice of the manufacturer and may be limited by the type of surgical gown and the sterilization method.
For reusable surgical gowns, they usually need to undergo rigorous cleaning and sterilization procedures to ensure their safety and sterility. This typically involves several steps:
Pretreatment: Blood, stains, and other contaminants may need to be removed from the gown prior to washing. This can be done by using an appropriate detergent or enzyme preparation.
Washing: The gown should be washed at an appropriate temperature using a professional medical device detergent. This helps remove stains, grease, and microorganisms.
Rinsing: After washing, the gown should be rinsed thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
Sterilization: After washing and rinsing, the gown can be sterilized by autoclaving (usually at 134°C), ethylene oxide sterilization, or other appropriate sterilization methods. These methods can effectively kill microorganisms on the gown, including bacteria, viruses, and spores.
Drying and storage: After sterilization, the gown should be stored in a dry environment to prevent the growth of mold and other microorganisms.
Please note that the specific sterilization methods and steps may vary depending on the type of gown, the manufacturer's recommendations, and the regulations of the medical institution. Therefore, in actual practice, the manufacturer's cleaning and sterilization guidelines and the policies and procedures of the medical institution should be followed.
