Medical protective clothing

A broad overview is presented of current medical clothing with specific focus on surgical gowns. Along with the protective function of the surgical clothing, its performance attributes relevant to the thermophysiological and ergonomic comfort of the wearers are discussed. Types of materials used in surgical gowns are addressed including fibres, yarns, fabric constructions used, other materials such as membranes, and additional treatments including coatings and functional finishes. Limitations of current surgical gowns are investigated where comprehensive testing and analysis of comprising materials are carried out, along with thermal manikin testing of the experimental surgical gowns.