The relationship of selected fabric characteristics and the barrier effectiveness of surgical gown fabrics Karen K. Leonas, PhD a Renita S. Jinkins, PhD b Athens and Atlanta, Georgia Background: Relationships between selected fabric characteristics and the barrier effectiveness of surgical gown fabrics to liquid strike-through and bacterial transmission were examined. Methods: Eight commercially available surgical gowns were evaluated in this study. Five of the gowns were disposable and were produced from nonwoven fabrics. Three of the gowns were reusable and were produced from woven fabrics. Standard test methods were used to evaluate the fabrics. Fabric characteristics evaluated included thickness, weight, pore size, and oil and water repellency. Yarn count was determined for the woven fabrics to establish the number of yarns per inch in both the warp (lengthwise) and fill (crosswise) fabric direction. Resistance of the fabrics to the penetration of microorganism suspensions under a hydrostatic pressure was determined. Microorganisms used in this study were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Scanning electron micrographs are presented to illustrate differences among fabrics. Results: Results of this study showed that fabric characteristics of construction, repellency, and pore size contributed to gown performance. Liquid strike-through was not always accompanied by bacterial transmission. Conclusions: Higher fabric repellency ratings and smaller pore size generally corresponded with higher barrier properties. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 1997;25:16-23) The transference of pathogens through body fluids recently has received much attention. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Association of Operating Room Nurses have published guidelines to help health care workers reduce their risk of occupational exposure. 1-3 A key factor in these recommendations is the use of protective surgical apparel as a barrier to micro- bial transfer. The barrier properties of the fabrics are determined by fabric characteristics, the bac- From the University of Georgia,a Athens, Georgia, and Amoco Fabrics and Fibers Companyp Atlanta. Supported by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Professional Health Care. Reprint requests: Karen K. Leonas, PhD, 314 Dawson Hall, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602. Copyright © 1997 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. 0196-6553/97 $5.00 + 0 17146174303 teria, and characteristics of the bacteria-contain- ing fluid. Bacteria are believed to be transported from one location to another by carriers such as dust or liquids. 4,s In the operating theater, fluids such as blood, perspiration, and alcohol act as carriers transporting the bacteria through the fabric. Small particles such as skin cells and lint also may act as carriers. 6,7 Therefore one must consider the barrier fabric's effectiveness in preventing trans- mission of the carrier and of the bacteria. Many studies have been conducted in the labo- ratory and in the operating room to evaluate the effectiveness of various surgical gowns as barriers to microbial transmission¢ ,s-ll Little attention has been given to specific characteristics of the fabric in the gown. There is a need to more specifically identify the fabric parameters that control trans- mission. Researchers have identified fabric con- struction and repellency as critical characteris- tics, 5,8,9 but few details about these characteristics have been addressed. In addition, other fabric characteristics known to influence barrier proper- 16