Microbial penetration of surgical gown materials.

In-use studies of microbial penetration of four surgical gowns were carried out. A laboratory test was developed which will dependably predict in-use performance. The test method, using trypticase soy broth containing 10(8)organisms per milliliter and placement of materials on blood agar, yielded results closely approximating findings in use. This method is recommended. It was shown that 140 thread count cloth fails to act as a microbial barrier and is, therefore, unacceptable as a surgical barrier material. Spunbonded olefin, Tyvek 1444A, was shown to be an effective barrier in use but had defects which reduced its barrier capabilities. Spunlaced wood pulp-polyester fabric, Fabric 450, and treated 270 plus pima cotton, Liquashield, were found to be effective barriers in both laboratory and in-use testing. Treated 270 plus pima cotton loses its ability to act as a barrier after 100 recyclings and must then be removed from use in the operating room. Cost factors were examined and found to be greatly in favor of the reusable fabric.