Disposable Cover Research Articles

Study of the Improvement of Disintegration Efficiency and Antibacterial Properties of Disposable Toilet Seat Cover Sheet Made of Cellulose Fibers

The growing prevalence of disposable toilet seat covers in public restrooms stems from concerns about personal hygiene, given the direct contact between the seat and various users’ skin. To enable these disposable cover sheets to be flushed down the toilet instead of being discarded in the trash, they must possess specific properties. These include rapid water absorption for quick disintegration, strength to endure user movement or moisture on the toilet seat surface, and a comfortable texture. To address these challenges, the study investigated the disintegration characteristics of flushable cover sheets prepared under different refining conditions. Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) was also employed to enhance water resistance, while an organic antibacterial agent was used to impart antimicrobial properties. The findings revealed that adding 0.2% AKD and 1% organic antibacterial agent to pulp stock with a freeness of about 650 mL CSF was suitable for manufacturing disposable cover sheets with disintegration characteristics like toilet tissue paper.

Use of Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Patients and it’s Effects on Healthcare Workers

Tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients needs important decision making and surgical planning, especially since it’s an aerosol-generating procedure and poses a threat to the health care personnel involved. Various public health agencies have recognized that some particular health care procedures considerably increase the risk of transmission of respiratory pathogens because they produce aerosols.
 Severe infection with SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19] causes respiratory illness resulting in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory failure that put patients in need of intrusive mechanical ventilation. Because it is linked to longer use of sedatives, narcotics, muscle palsy leading to a longing desire for invasive central catheters, and the patient's stationary position inflicting line infection and pressure injuries to the skin, prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation usually results in ventilator-associated pneumonia and other complications.
 If patients are projected to be ventilator-dependent for a lengthy period of time, surgical treatment is considered once every 7–10 days for automatically ventilated patients. However, due to the risk faced by the health care workers, it has been recommended by organizations such as WHO, that health personnel must take appropriate measures so as to minimize the risk of contracting the deadly virus. This includes wearing personal protective equipment [PPE] while performing the procedure. An N-95[or above] face mask, face shield, latex gloves, full-body disposable cover, foot covers are some of the contents of personal protective equipment [PPE].
 Our goal is to provide authoritative guidance to healthcare providers and healthcare systems and to highlight the possible effects of the accumulating experiences, currently available evidence, and historical lessons, tracheostomy decisions during the current COVID19 epidemic. Because incubated patients have a poor prognosis and there is a danger of transfer to providers through this highly aerosolizing procedure, the pathway of tracheostomy placement has changed.

Protecting perioperative patients and personnel in the era of COVID-19.

Protecting perioperative patients and personnel in the era of COVID-19.

Precautions for Intubating Patients with COVID-19.

Precautions for Intubating Patients with COVID-19.

The sneaker – marketplace icon

ABSTRACT The sneaker is a near disposable foot cover and a precious cultural artefact. It is a platform for some of the most recognizable brands in the world to showcase new technology and a vessel for nostalgia. It is an afterthought we slip on as we shuffle to the bodega on a Sunday morning and an all-consuming subcultural obsession. One can even use it to play sports. Footwear has long served as a means to communicate social status, virility, sexuality, and many other qualities, but how did such an ostensibly practical, prosaic, and ubiquitous item of clothing come to be such a remarkable and versatile icon of contemporary consumer culture? This article attempts to shed light on the actors and practices that have influenced the development of the cultural meanings we have come to associate with the sports shoe.

Effect of a Condom Cover on Vaginal Photoplethysmographic Responses

IntroductionThe vaginal photoplethysmograph (VPP) is a reusable intravaginal device often employed in sexual psychophysiology studies to assess changes in vaginal blood flow, an indicator of sexual arousal. AimTo test whether placing a disposable cover on the VPP probe impacts the acquired data. A condom cover would reduce risk of disease transmission and likely increase participant comfort but may negatively impact the VPP signal. MethodThe genital responses of 25 cisgender women (mean age = 21.3 years, standard deviation = 2.6) were assessed with VPP in a within-subjects design with 2 conditions—with and without a polyisoprene condom cover. Sexual responses were elicited by audiovisual film clips that varied in erotic intensity: nonsexual (nonsexual male-female interaction), low-intensity sexual (nude exercise), and high-intensity sexual (male-female intercourse). Women continuously rated their sexual arousal during stimulus presentations. Main Outcome MeasureChange in vaginal pulse amplitude and also self-reported sexual arousal. ResultsThe magnitude of sexual response to each stimulus category and the overall pattern of results were found to be highly similar in the cover-off and cover-on conditions. The high-intensity sexual stimulus category elicited a greater sexual response than all other categories. The low-intensity sexual category elicited a (small) genital response in only the cover-on condition, although we suspect this is a spurious finding. There was no difference in the average number of edited movement artifacts across conditions. Clinical ImplicationsPotential benefits of encasing the VPP probe with a protective cover include enhanced participant safety and comfort, especially if assessing genital responses of high-risk or immunocompromised samples. The use of a cover complies with current guidelines for reprocessing semi-critical medical devices (eg, vaginal ultrasound probes) in many regions. Strengths & LimitationsAlthough the idea of a VPP probe cover had been discussed among sexual psychophysiology researchers, this is the first study to empirically test whether a cover could jeopardize VPP data. Potential limitations include the use of a 10-Hz VPP sampling rate and a cover that was not tailored to the size of the VPP probe. ConclusionPlacing a protective cover on the VPP probe did not appear to meaningfully impact sexual arousal or the VPP data. Based on these results and the potential advantages of a protective cover, researchers may wish to integrate the use a condom cover in their experiment protocols and clinical applications.Sawatsky ML, Lalumière ML. Effect of a Condom Cover on Vaginal Photoplethysmographic Responses. J Sex Med 2020; 17:702–715.

Zika virus detection using antibody-immobilized disposable cover glass and AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

Zika virus detection was demonstrated using antibody-functionalized cover glasses externally connected to the gate electrode of an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). A pulsed bias voltage of 0.5 V was applied to an electrode on the region of the cover glass region functionalized with antibody, and the resulting changes of drain current of the HEMT were employed to determine the presence of Zika virus antigen concentration ranging from 0.1 to 100 ng/ml. The dynamic and static drain current changes as a function of Zika virus concentration were modeled with a spring-like elastic relaxation model and the Langmuir extension model, respectively. Excellent fits to the data were found with relaxation time constants of antibody and antigen molecules in the range of 11 μs and 0.66–24.4 μs, respectively, for the concentration range investigated. The ratio of antibody bound with antigen to the total available antibody on the functionalized contact window was in the range of 0.013–0.84 for the Zika antigen concentration range of 0.1–100 ng/ml. Since the HEMT is not exposed to the bio-solution, it can be used repeatedly. The functionalized glass is the only disposable part in the detection system, showing the potential of this approach for hand-held, low cost sensor packages for point-of-care applications.

Factors affecting surface management of dental unit chair

The purpose of this study was to analyze factors affecting unit chair surface management to prevent cross infection of dental hygienist. A total of 311 dental hygienists were surveyed and received general characteristics and responses to dental infection characteristics. The surface of the unit chair was divided into 5 parts and the items for each management method were examined. The statistical analysis of this study was carried out by correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis using SPSS. According to the results of the study, 94.3% of the dental hygienists responded that the infection was important and the related education experience was 76.2%. As for the unit chair management period, the most frequent response was to the start of treatment every day, with 46.6%. The management method was not using disposable cover or disinfectant. The factors influencing the unit chair management were the average number of patients per day, and the bracket table was related to the number of chairs. Control switches were found to be associated with the importance of infection control. In conclusion, although the awareness and practice of infection control is high, it is necessary to improve the method, and it seems that the management of unit chair is insufficient in dental hospitals with many patients and unit chairs. Policy improvement that can be dedicated to infection prevention activities seems to be very necessary.

New Technique of Applying Topical Oxygen Therapy as a Cost-Effective Procedure.

To describe the newly designed technique of applying topical oxygen therapy for large wounds. C arm sterile disposable cover is used for covering the wound. For abdominal and pelvis wounds, two artificial holes are created at one end of the cover for the inclusion of the limb. Free end of the cover is secured with adhesive, and a hole is created for the insertion of the suction catheter. Oxygen cylinder is connected to the suction catheter, and oxygen is supplied at the rate of 10L/min. Three patients were treated with topical oxygen therapy. These patients were cases of necrotizing soft tissue infections and large post traumatic wounds. There were less requirements of debridement and granulation tissue appeared earlier. The cost of one cycle of the therapy is less than 500 INR. Topical oxygen therapy is the recent modality for improved wound healing. The novel method of applying topical oxygen devised by us is effective, feasible, and cost-effective as compared to standard devices.

A Simulation Study of Gel Pillow Heat Conductance

The gel-filled pillow is a device used to provide a soft surface to support and cradle an infant's head. Little is known about the thermal conductive properties of this device when used in an open crib. This simulation study evaluated the use of the Squishon 2 gel pillow in an open crib to determine the potential cooling effects on a mannequin infant. This simulation study was conducted on a thermal mannequin. A descriptive comparative repeated-measures design was employed. A thermal mannequin with the head placed on the gel pillow was used. The energy required to keep the mannequin head at 37 degrees C in 4 conditions was measured. The 4 conditions were as follows: (1) lying in an open crib on a standard mattress (baseline), (2) lying on the gel pillow with the disposable cover from the manufacturer, (3) the head wearing a cap and lying on the gel pillow, and (4) the head without the hat lying on the gel pillow with an insulated cover over the pillow. Univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in energy required to maintain the mannequin head at 37 degrees C among the 4 conditions (F3 = 283.23, P = .0001). The hat on head condition was found to decrease energy utilization by an average of 6.36 kcal/d when compared with the head on mattress condition (P = .0001). Extrapolation of energy to maintain mannequin head warmth into potential kilocalories utilized revealed that a potential increase in kilocalories needed to maintain thermoneutrality would be needed. The most effective way of conserving heat was in the hat on the mannequin head while lying on a gel pillow condition. The use of a gel pillow without a hat or an insulated barrier caused an increase in energy requirements and kilocalorie usage in this mannequin model. The results of this simulation study suggest that use of the gel pillow outside of a thermally controlled environment and in an open crib environment may increase energy use to maintain thermoneutrality. The Squishon 2 gel pillow conducts heat from the mannequin head and may increase kilocalories per day consumption in the preterm infant. Furthermore, the results of the study support previous findings that a hat helps conserve energy.

Intra-Operative Pulse Oximetry

Bowel resection surgery is a commonly performed operation used to treat a variety of gastro-intestinal tract disorders, including cancer. The surgery entails excising the diseased portion of intestine, and then creating a surgical anastomosis, or reattachment of the remaining ends. One of the major complications following bowel resection surgery is breakdown or leakage from the anastomosis, which affects 20% of patients, with an associated 10-15% mortality rate. The surgical creation of anastomosis frequently involves dividing blood vessels and can introduce unrecognized twists and tension on the intestine. As a result, the blood supply to the site of anastomosis is often hampered, limiting the oxygen supply that is essential for adequate anastomotic healing. We are proposing a device that enables surgeons to obtain real-time feedback on local tissue oxygen saturation (SpO2) during operative procedures. Such data will not only help surgeons realize any bowel oxygenation compromising maneuvers, but also help perform an anastomosis at the site of maximal tissue oxygenation, thus minimizing the occurrence of postoperative anastomotic leakage and improve patient outcomes. This report details the specifications, fabrication, operation and performance of a handheld wireless pulse oximeter suitable for the intraoperative measurement of tissue SpO2 during bowel surgery. The device adapts principles and technology developed for non-invasive pulse oximetry, and introduces tissue interface, physician tools, and signal processing algorithms for intra-operative application. The handheld device includes local display of SpO2 level (<1 s refresh) at the contacted tissue, and signals the operator on degraded signal quality/faults. An onboard micro-controller digitizes and processes signals transduced through a controlled LED array. Signal processing and display parameters were optimized for operating room conditions. A disposable functionally-transparent cover provides both device and tissue protection. Through serial or Bluetooth wireless transmission (250 Kbps), SpO2 and pulse signals can be processed on a PC or operating room VI. The incorporation of a pressure sensor to increase accuracy and robustness is explored. The device was validated intra-operatively on rodent and bovine surgical models.

Intra-Operative Pulse Oximetry

Bowel resection surgery is a commonly performed operation used to treat a variety of gastro-intestinal tract disorders, including cancer. The surgery entails excising the diseased portion of intestine, and then creating a surgical anastomosis, or reattachment of the remaining ends. One of the major complications following bowel resection surgery is breakdown or leakage from the anastomosis, which affects 20% of patients, with an associated 10-15% mortality rate. The surgical creation of anastomosis frequently involves dividing blood vessels and can introduce unrecognized twists and tension on the intestine. As a result, the blood supply to the site of anastomosis is often hampered, limiting the oxygen supply that is essential for adequate anastomotic healing. We are proposing a device that enables surgeons to obtain real-time feedback on local tissue oxygen saturation (SpO2) during operative procedures. Such data will not only help surgeons realize any bowel oxygenation compromising maneuvers, but also help perform an anastomosis at the site of maximal tissue oxygenation, thus minimizing the occurrence of postoperative anastomotic leakage and improve patient outcomes. This report details the specifications, fabrication, operation and performance of a handheld wireless pulse oximeter suitable for the intraoperative measurement of tissue SpO2 during bowel surgery. The device adapts principles and technology developed for non-invasive pulse oximetry, and introduces tissue interface, physician tools, and signal processing algorithms for intra-operative application. The handheld device includes local display of SpO2 level (<1s refresh) at the contacted tissue, and signals the operator on degraded signal quality/faults. An onboard micro-controller digitizes and processes signals transduced through a controlled LED array. Signal processing and display parameters were optimized for operating room conditions. A disposable functionally-transparent cover provides both device and tissue protection. Through serial or Bluetooth wireless transmission (250 Kbps), SpO2 and pulse signals can be processed on a PC or operating room VI. The incorporation of a pressure sensor to increase accuracy and robustness is explored. The device was validated intra-operatively on rodent and bovine surgical models.

Hygiène en échographie endocavitaire gynécologique et obstétricale en 2008

Hygiene of ultrasound probes is a hot topic in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound. The issue concerns mainly the risk of contamination and the need for specific procedures to ensure a high degree of protection against infectious diseases, even if a disposable barrier cover is used. As there are no referenced quality criteria for these disposable probe covers, it is crucial to verify that they are CE marked. The use of condoms as probe covers is not recommended even though they present a lower rate of disruption compared to commercial probe covers. The global rate of probe cover perforation is of 1 to 9%. To date, there are no case reports of contamination by ultrasound examination, be it vaginal or abdominal. Nevertheless, every patient must be regarded as a potential source of infection. The French recommendations consider endovaginal ultrasound probes as semi-critical instruments and thus require intermediate-level disinfection. Because of the risk of disruption, American as well as Canadian and Australian recommendations insist on high-level disinfection of the probe. Every operator should follow reasonable hygiene rules and appropriate precautions should be taken in order to reassure the patients about the risks of contamination during any ultrasound examination.

Airway management for tonsillectomy: a national survey of UK practice

In 1996 a new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) was described [1]. Subsequently, the infectious agent was found to be a prion protein. In response to concerns about the prion's infectious nature, its resistance to decontamination and the possibility of asymptomatic carriage of prions in tonsillar tissue, the UK Department of Health and the Royal College of Anaesthetists produced guidelines for airway management of tonsillectomy, stressing the use of disposable equipment [2, 3]. We have conducted a national survey to examine current practice in airway management for tonsillectomy. Several additional questions were asked to explore knowledge both of guidelines and of vCJD. A postal questionnaire was sent to all College Tutors in the UK in July 2005. If the questionnaire was not returned within six weeks, a repeat questionnaire was sent. Microsoft Excel was used to aid the data analysis of the questionnaire. Of the 305 questionnaires sent, 33 replies stated that their hospital did not carry out ENT procedures. Positive replies were received from 183 departments, a response rate of 67%. Not all respondents answered all the questions. The tracheal tube was the most frequently used airway across all age groups: 87% (150/173) for <3 years old; 79% (139/176) for 3–16 years old; and 73% (131/179) for adults). Of respondents using a laryngoscope blade, 57% (96/167) protected the laryngoscope blade with a disposable sheath or used a disposable blade, while 43% (71/167) used a reusable laryngoscope blade without protection of the blade. Only 14% (24/167) protected the laryngoscope handle, as recommended. When a re-usable classic or flexible laryngeal mask airway was used, 45% (20/44) reused it after routine sterilisation. When questioned about the guidelines, 38% (68/180) were unaware that guidelines existed. Only 16% (27/180) were fully compliant with the guidelines. Just under half (45%, 70/154) agreed with the guidelines and of this number 84% (59/70) still did not fully comply with the guidelines. The commonest reasons for not complying were unavailability of equipment or mistrust of disposable equipment. In order to comply with the guidelines published by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, all laryngeal mask airways used should be disposed of whether the device is a disposable type or re-usable; if tracheal intubation is used the laryngoscope blade must either be a disposable blade or the standard metal blade must be covered by a disposable transparent plastic sheath. A clear disposable cover for the laryngoscope handle is also recommended; if bougies or stylettes are used these should also be disposable, and single-use disposable gloves must be worn by the anaesthetist. In this survey we have shown widespread non-compliance with, and lack of knowledge of, national guidelines.

The use of an anaesthetic simulator to assess single-use laryngoscopy equipment

To compare the view at simulated direct laryngoscopy obtained with a standard laryngoscope, with and without a disposable cover and a disposable laryngoscope blade. Randomized non-blinded comparison. The high-fidelity human patient simulator at the Scottish Clinical Simulation Centre. Thirty-two anaesthetists with between 11 months and 25 years of experience. A randomized comparison of ease of laryngoscopy with each laryngoscope option for simulated easy and difficult laryngoscopy. The best grade achievable at laryngoscopy (Cormack and Lehane grade) for each laryngoscope, for both easy and difficult laryngoscopy. For the easy setting, 34% (P = 0.001) of anaesthetists graded laryngoscopy more difficult with the covered laryngoscope, and 22% (P = 0.008) with the disposable laryngoscope considered laryngoscopy more difficult than with the standard laryngoscope. For the difficult simulator setting, 69% (P < 0.001) found laryngoscopy more difficult with the covered laryngoscope and 69% (P < 0.001) with the disposable laryngoscope, when compared with the standard laryngoscope. There was no difference between the laryngoscopy grades for the covered and disposable laryngoscope for either easy (P = 0.21) or difficult (P = 0.87) simulation. Single-use equipment, as presently recommended for tonsillectomy surgery by the UK Department of Health, makes laryngoscopy more difficult for anaesthetists.

Disposable material for tracheal intubation: pilot study using Penlon Crystal blades and Penlon Lary Gard sheaths

The risk of cross infection due to non-conventional infectious agents has led to the development of single-use disposable medical material. For laryngoscopy, two attitudes have been proposed: the use of disposable blades or disposable translucide cover sheaths with steel blades. Practice studies assessing the quality of these devices are scarce, leaving the physician to his own experience. Open pilot study assessing satisfaction of the users during tracheal intubation. Hundred patients of general surgery requiring tracheal intubation underwent laryngoscopy in routine condition with disposable blades (Penlon Crystal) or disposable cover sheaths (Penlon Lary Gard) with steel blades. The users gave a general appreciation of the device and specific comments on the easiness of insertion of the blade, intensity of light and its focus, quality of glottic exposure, easiness of tracheal tube insertion, and solidity of the device. With both devices, intubation was impossible in 6% of the patients. The users considered that intubation was performed in comfortable conditions with both devices. Dim light was noticed with Crystal blade. In case of use of disposable material, both devices seem to be close in terms of quality of intubation.

Measurement of surface contamination from nucleoside analogue antineoplastic drugs by high-performance liquid chromatography in occupational hygiene studies of oncologic hospital departments

Within the frame of a continuing interest in occupational hygiene of hospitals as workplaces, we describe an automated analytical method by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography for the measurement of contamination from the three most important nucleoside analogue antineoplastic drugs (5-fluorouracil, 5FU; cytarabin, CYA; gemcytabin, GCA) on such surfaces as those of preparation hoods and work-benches in departmental pharmacies of oncologic departments. Our method is characterized by a short analysis time (7 min) under isocratic conditions, by the use of a mobile phase devoid of organic solvent and by high sensitivity (LOD≥40 μg/l for all compounds), adequate to detect surface contamination above a threshold of 4 μg/m 2 for wide surfaces and of 30 μg/m 2 for small irregular objects. We present some results from a preliminary survey study recently performed in seven oncologic departments of two large general hospitals in Milan. To exemplify the contamination levels on various surfaces (such as on handles, floor surfaces and window glass panes, even far from the preparation hood), analyte concentrations in the order of 0.03–0.06 μg/ml, corresponding to 0.8–1.5 μg of 5FU were measured on telephones, of 0.02–0.6 μg/ml (0.85–28 μg/m 2) of CYA were measured on table boards, of 0.05–10.6 μg/ml (1.2–1150 μg/m 2) of GCA on furniture and floors. Spillage fractions up to 1% of the employed ANDs (employed daily 5FU 7–13 g; CYA 0.1–7.1 g; GCA 0.2–5 g) are measured on the polyethylene-backed paper disposable cover sheet of the preparation hood.

TXRF Analysis of Solution Samples Using Polyester Film as a Disposable Sample-Carrier Cover

The performance of polyester film was examined as a disposable cover of the sample-carrier (silicon wafer). The cover offers convenience and economy for the total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis of solution samples. Moreover, the measurement of Al Kα (1.487 keV) and P Kα (2.013 keV) peaks is possible because of the reduction of Si Kα X-rays (1.740 keV) from the sample-carrier. Not only the trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni and Cu) but also the low sensitivity elements (Al and P) in JSS iron and steel standard samples were successfully analyzed.

The Stethoscope as a Potential Source of Transmission of Bacteria (with reply)

To the Editor: Dr. Itzhak Brook's letter (1997;19:608) is of importance not only in showing that the stethoscope may be a vector for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria but also in demonstrating that the stethoscope may be contaminated when used in physical examinations. The various textbook recommendations for cleaning before and after use are known commonly.1-3 However, these are not always adhered to, nor are adequate to prevent contamination of patients.4 Furthermore, hygiene rituals for stethoscopes often ignore the need for meticulous cleaning. The risk of contamination is high, especially in clinical settings and particularly for patients in the intensivecare unit or neonatal intensive-care unit.' In those very high-risk settings, the use of individual stethoscopes for each patient is known to be the most effective prevention. (Unfortunately, this makes doctors now a target of potential cross-infections via earpieces). To minimize this hazard, using single-use stethoscope-covers (Figure) would assure a high hygiene standard. Such covers could be used before physical examination and could be disposed of easily thereafter. We were able to detect 13 different patented devices designed to decrease stethoscope contamination, but only two seem to be feasible for real practice (Wurzburger, US Patent #5,538,004, 1996; Rothan-Tondeur, PCT #W0 96/38088, 1996). These devices involve a disposable cover that is attached to the diaphragm of the stethoscope prior to examination of the patient. After obtaining the desired clinical information, the cover can be removed easily. Application and disposal of these devices take 3 to 5 seconds. Because disposable stethoscopes are unrealistic, we believe these covers are a good alternative to disinfection procedures; but, as long as such covers are not available, meticulous disinfection of stethoscopes prior to use should be carried out.

Evaluation of the protective value of hospital gowns against blood strike-through and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus penetration

Hospital gowns protect patients and health care workers from exposure to blood and other infectious materials. Previous studies have shown that certain gowns do allow blood strike-through. Because of worldwide increases in the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infections, especially with methicillin-resistant strains, there is now increased concern regarding bacterial transmission through gowns. This study evaluated six gown types used in hospitals (one disposable cover or isolation gown, three disposable operating room gowns, and new and washed reusable operating room gowns). Gowns were evaluated for dry spore and S. aureus filtration efficiencies and were subjected to 20 time-pressure combinations with methicillin-resistant S. aureus-spiked blood (10(4)/ml) to evaluate blood strike-through and passage of methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Blood strike-through was lowest with disposable operating room gowns 1 and 2 (polypropylene). Disposable operating room gown 3 (polyester-wood pulp) showed the greatest strike-through and overall passage of methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Operating room gowns 1 and 2 showed minimal bacterial passage, whereas the disposable cover (polypropylene) only allowed passage at pressures greater than 1 psi. Bacterial filtration efficiency testing showed operating room gowns 1 and 2 to be the most protective; operating room gown 3 and both reusable (cotton) gowns were the least protective. Dry spore passage was greatest for reusable gowns. Different hospital gowns offer varying degrees of protection against fluid strike-through or bacterial passage. Gowns therefore should be chosen according to the task performed and conditions encountered.