Aprons and gowns CHOOSING

Aprons and gowns
CHOOSING
• Aprons and gowns should be water repellent and should allow you a full range of movement
when worn and not interfere with your clinical activity.
• Check expiry dates on sterile gowns before use – never use an out of date gown.
USING
• An apron or gown should be worn when contamination of your clothing or uniform
might occur.
• Disposable aprons and gowns are single-use items and should be disposed of via the
clinical waste stream immediately after use.
• Disposable, single-use plastic aprons should be worn when there is a risk of contact with
blood/body fluids.
• An impermeable gown should be worn rather than a plastic apron when there is a risk
of significant splashing of body fluids, e.g. in an operating theatre or during invasive
procedures.
• Disposable long-sleeved gowns should be worn when caring for patients known or
suspected to have scabies or any other parasitic skin infestation.
• Colour-coded aprons and gowns are often worn for different tasks in a ward setting, e.g.
a specific colour may be worn when patients are isolated and another for serving meals –
ensure that you wear the correct colour for the task in hand in accordance with local policy.
• Reusable gowns, such as those worn in operating theatres, should be worn once and
then laundered. They must be changed between patients.
• Disposable aprons and gowns must never be cleaned and reused.
• An apron or gown should be worn for one patient and then removed. It may be necessary
to change your apron or gown between tasks on the same patient to prevent
cross-contamination.
• A torn or damaged apron or gown should not be used and should be removed immediately
(safety permitting) if this occurs during a procedure.
• An apron or gown should be removed as soon as the task for which it was worn is complete,
before touching non-contaminated and clean areas, items, environmental surfaces
and contact with other patients and staff.
REMOVI N G
• When removing an apron or gown you should avoid touching the most heavily soiled/
contaminated areas. You should also take care not to touch your clothing or uniform
worn underneath to avoid contamination.
• Turn the outer contaminated side of the gown inward, roll the aprons or gown into a ball
and dispose of it via the clinical waste stream.