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Changes in the properties of pure cotton surgical gowns and drapes with clinical use and reprocessing
Berendina Elsina Bouwman1, Francesco Tessarolo2, Alexandre Braios3
1Faculty of Nursing, Universidade Federal de Jataí, Jataí, Goiás, Brazil.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|August 4, 2022
Abstract:
The impact of repeated in-hospital reprocessing on 100% cotton fabric continues to be debated. We analyzed the properties of surgical gowns and drapes over 15 months of clinical use. The amount of linting fibers and the water absorption rate increased significantly, but microbial and blood penetration was preserved.
Insights
Repeated reprocessing of 100% cotton surgical gowns and drapes increased linting and water absorption. However, critical protective properties like microbial and blood penetration were maintained during 15 months of clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Textile science
- Healthcare materials science
- Surgical supply management
Background:
- The durability and safety of reusable surgical textiles are critical in healthcare settings.
- 100% cotton surgical gowns and drapes undergo repeated in-hospital reprocessing, raising questions about their long-term performance.
- Understanding material degradation is essential for maintaining infection control standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of repeated in-hospital reprocessing on the physical and protective properties of 100% cotton surgical gowns and drapes.
- To assess changes in linting, water absorption, and barrier efficacy over a 15-month period of clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Surgical gowns and drapes made of 100% cotton were subjected to standard in-hospital reprocessing procedures.
- Material properties including linting (fiber shedding) and water absorption rate were measured over 15 months.
- Microbial penetration and blood penetration tests were conducted to assess barrier effectiveness.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in the amount of linting fibers was observed with repeated reprocessing.
- The water absorption rate of the cotton fabric significantly increased over the 15-month study period.
- Crucially, microbial penetration and blood penetration resistance were preserved throughout the duration of use.
Conclusions:
- While repeated reprocessing affects certain physical properties of 100% cotton surgical textiles, such as increased linting and water absorption, their essential barrier functions remain intact.
- These findings suggest that 100% cotton surgical gowns and drapes can maintain adequate protection against microbial and bloodborne pathogens despite extensive clinical use and reprocessing.
- The study supports the continued use of reusable cotton textiles, provided that reprocessing protocols are optimized and material integrity is monitored.
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