gowning

Gowning is the process of selecting and putting on gowns and related protective clothing to create a barrier between the wearer and their environment. It is an essential element of infection prevention, sterile technique, and contamination control in healthcare, laboratory, and cleanroom settings.

In healthcare, gowning protects patients and staff during routine care, isolation, or procedures that generate splashes or aerosols. Gowns can be disposable or reusable, sterile or non-sterile, and are designed to cover clothing and skin from chest to knees. In surgical environments, sterile gowning is part of maintaining a sterile field and preventing postoperative infections. In laboratories and cleanrooms, gowning reduces particulate shedding and protects experiments, products, or cultures; gowns may be made from special fabrics and may be worn with other PPE such as gloves, masks, goggles, or face shields.

Gowns come in various materials and designs, including nonwoven polypropylene, SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) fabrics, laminated or coated textiles, and reusable cotton or polyester blends. Disposable gowns are common for single use, while reusable gowns require laundering and sometimes disinfection between uses.

Donning and doffing are key components of gowning. Typical practice involves hand hygiene, applying the gown to minimize skin contact with the exterior surface, putting on additional PPE (such as masks and eye protection), and finally donning gloves. Doffing emphasizes preventing self-contamination and includes removal of gloves and gown, followed by eye protection and masks, with hand hygiene performed afterward. Proper gowning is guided by institutional protocols and public health guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.