Schutzkittel

Schutzkittel, or protective gown, is a garment worn to shield clothing, skin, and underlying garments from contamination, chemical splashes, or biological hazards. In German-speaking contexts, Schutzkittel commonly refers to disposable non-woven gowns used in medical and laboratory settings, though reusable fabric versions exist.

Materials and design: They are usually made from non-woven fabrics such as polypropylene, SMS, or polyethylene, and may be fully disposable or reusable. Designs vary by length and closure: knee- to ankle-length, long sleeves with knit or cuffed wrists, back- or front-closure with ties, hooks-and-loops, or zippers. Some gowns are fluid- or chemical-resistant and carry barrier-performance ratings.

Uses: Schutzkittel are used in healthcare, dental clinics, laboratory work, cleanrooms, and industrial settings to reduce cross-contamination and protect wearers from splashes, aerosols, or biohazards. They are selected according to the expected exposure and required level of protection.

Standards and terminology: In Europe, protective gowns fall under general protective clothing standards such as EN 13688, and may align with surgical gown standards (EN 13795) or biological hazard protections (EN 14126). In the United States, disposable gowns may be evaluated for fluid resistance under AAMI PB70. The term can also refer to sterile gowns in some contexts.

Care and disposal: Disposable Schutzkittel are discarded after single use as medical waste. Reusable gowns are laundered according to manufacturer instructions and may require sterilization to restore barrier integrity. Contaminated gowns should be handled according to institutional waste procedures.