Medical Barriers for Reusable Gowns and Drapes

High-Performance Barrier Laminates for Reusable Gowns & Drapes

Selecting the best level of protection for the standard ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012 involves understanding the critical zones of a gown and what each barrier performance level entails so that the best gown is chosen for use by healthcare workers. The critical zones of gowns comprise the front of the gown and the sleeves, both primary areas with the greatest risk of exposure to fluids and blood-borne pathogens. As the level increases, so does the need for greater barrier protection for the entire critical zone.

Level 1: Minimal level of fluid barrier protection
Level 2: Low level of fluid barrier protection

Level 3: Moderate level of fluid barrier protection
Level 4: The highest level of fluid and viral barrier protection

Stedair® TX L4 Level I

Stedair® medical barriers provide unmatched protection from fluids, blood, viruses and blood-borne pathogens while remaining breathable to provide comfort for surgeons during lengthy procedures.

Type I - polyester outer fabric and polyester knit laminated to a bi-component film.

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Stedair® TX L4 Level II

Stedair® medical barriers provide unmatched protection from fluids, blood, viruses and blood-borne pathogens while remaining breathable to provide comfort for surgeons during lengthy procedures.

Type II - polyester knit outer fabric and polyester tricot back laminated to a bi-component film.

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Stedair® TX L3 Isolation

Stedair® isolation barriers are specifically designed for protection against fluid penetration while remaining breathable to provide comfort for first responders. Non-surgical gowns are intended to protect the wearer from the transfer of microorganisms and body fluids in low or minimal risk situations.

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To Attain Level 3 Classification:

The hydrostatic pressure test measures the resistance of the critical zones to liquid penetration. The level 3 material must have a result greater than 50cm. The water resistance measures the resistance of fabrics to water penetration by impact. The level 3 material must have a result of less than 1.0 grams.

Test Result AATCC 42 Water Resistance ≤ 1.0g AATCC 127 Hydrostatic Pressure ≥50cm

To Attain Level 4 Classification:

The material must be subjected to the blood barrier test (ASTM F1670) and the viral barrier test (ASTM F1671). The blood barrier test measures a material’s resistance to synthetic blood under constant contact. The sample is mounted on a cell between the synthetic blood and a viewing port, then subjected to atmospheric pressure for 5 minutes, 2.0 psi for 1 minute and atmospheric pressure for 54 minutes. If there is any strikethrough on the sample during the 60-minute test, the sample fails the test. The viral barrier test measures the material’s resistance to penetration of a microorganism under constant contact. The sample is mounted similarly to the blood barrier test and is then subjected to the same time and pressure protocol. If any liquid penetration occurs, the sample fails. If there is no visible liquid penetration at the end of 60 minutes, a microbial assay is performed to determine if any non-visible penetration occurred. If any microbial penetration is found, the sample fails the test.

Test Result ASTM F1671 - Resistance to blood-borne pathogens PASS ASTM F1670 - Resistance to penetration by synthetic blood PASS