Do multi-use cellulosic textiles provide safe protection against the contamination of sterilized items?

Functional design and construction of reusable surgical gowns considering microbial barrier

“…The air permeability [R] of tested samples was measured in compliance with EN ISO 9237, Figure 1. The results show that Tencel® has the best air permeability, while the PES/PU/PES three-layered laminate is completely air impermeable throughout all 50 wash and sterilization cycles [11]. The results of medical cellulosic textiles permeability of microorganisms after extreme conditions of contamination with bacterial spores are shown in Figure 2 [11].…”

“…The results show that Tencel® has the best air permeability, while the PES/PU/PES three-layered laminate is completely air impermeable throughout all 50 wash and sterilization cycles [11]. The results of medical cellulosic textiles permeability of microorganisms after extreme conditions of contamination with bacterial spores are shown in Figure 2 [11]. The results show that the PES/PU/PES three-layered laminate is impermeable to microorganisms and has an excellent microbial barrier, while Tencel® showed better microbial…”

“…Based on the microbial barrier permeability and air permeability results, functional design and modelling of reusable surgical gowns was carried out [11]. According to the air permeability results, Tencel® achieved air permeability maximum and therefore maximum comfort [11].…”

“…According to the air permeability results, Tencel® achieved air permeability maximum and therefore maximum comfort [11]. Tencel® is a man-made cellulosic fibre of the generic fibre type lyocell.…”

“…For functional surgical gown design, a combination of materials was used according to their characteristics. The basic characteristics of the material are shown in Table 1 [11]. The goal was to achieve the necessary comfort and to allow unrestricted motion of the surgical staff.…”