Surgery Protocol for Ebola Includes AAMI Gown Standard
A new protocol that describes precautions surgeons should take when operating on suspected or confirmed Ebola patients includes an Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) standard on surgical gowns and drapes.
The protocol was developed and released by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and recommends that surgeons and healthcare workers wear “AAMI Level 4” surgical gowns and drapes when operating on these patients, according to an Oct. 8 article in The Washington Post. The protocol adapts relevant recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and applies them to the operating room (OR) environment.
Part of the protocol comes from ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012, Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended for use in healthcare facilities. The document is intended to guide healthcare professionals in making informed decisions when selecting appropriate clothing for a given task.
As The Post article notes, many physicians in West African countries are scared about performing operations on patients, even in emergency situations. Employing personal protective gear, including these gowns, can go a long way to ensuring the safety and health of OR personnel. Other ACS recommendations include having leg coverings with a full plastic film coating over the fabric, full face shield, mask, double gloves and a surgical hood.
The protocol has been circulated among groups representing surgeons in Africa, according to The Post.
In 2012, AAMI updated its standard PB70 to help ensure that substandard gowns and drapes would not wind up in the OR. It identified four levels of gowns and drapes, with Level 4 being able to resist liquid and viral penetration in a stringent laboratory test. A big change in the 2012 edition focused on the acceptance criteria for a product lot. The standard added a rejectable quality level to help determine if the test results are acceptable and if the product can be released.
More details about ANSI/AAMI PB70 are available at the AAMI Store.
Source: AAMI
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
April 5th 2024Personal protective equipment (PPE) stands as the first line of defense against infectious diseases in health care. Yet, the issue of ill-fitting PPE, especially for women, remains a significant challenge.
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.
Voices of Resilience: Q&A With the Editor of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter"
March 1st 2024Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.
