When working in healthcare, social care, or any setting where blood, bodily fluids, or infectious agents are present, staff can be exposed to risks that cause serious infection. In severe cases, a single exposure to a bloodborne pathogen may mean long‑term health consequences or an inability to continue working. Employers have a legal duty to protect their people – not just with any PPE, but with the right PPE, properly selected and correctly used.
PPE isolation gowns play a critical role in infection control strategies, protecting healthcare workers from exposure to harmful microorganisms and preventing the spread of infections from staff to patients.
Why does gown selection matter for infection control?
Not all disposable gowns offer the same level of protection. Choosing a gown that does not match the task can leave staff unprotected – fluids can soak through a low‑grade gown, or sleeves can ride up during a procedure, exposing skin. Conversely, over‑specifying gowns (using high‑cost surgical gowns for routine patient care) wastes budget that could be better spent elsewhere.
The ANSI/AAMI PB70:2022 standard establishes the recognised framework for selecting isolation gowns. It sets four levels of barrier performance based on standardised tests – and gowns must be labelled accordingly.
What protection levels do CPE gowns offer?
Most CPE isolation gowns are available at AAMI Level 2 (moderate fluid barrier). Some entry‑level CPE gowns may be Level 1. AAMI Level 2 gowns are tested for resistance to fluid penetration under pressure – enough for most non‑surgical, low‑to‑moderate splash scenarios.
The table below sets out the four AAMI levels and where each is typically used.
| AAMI Level | Barrier Performance | Typical use cases |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Minimal barrier – basic fluid resistance | Basic patient care, standard isolation, visitor gowns, standard medical units |
| Level 2 | Low‑to‑moderate fluid barrier – tested for impact penetration and hydrostatic pressure | Blood draws, suturing, ICU, pathology labs, wound care |
| Level 3 | Moderate fluid barrier – higher resistance than Level 2 | Arterial blood draws, IV insertion, emergency room procedures with moderate splash |
| Level 4 | Highest barrier – resists viral penetration (ASTM F1671) | Lengthy fluid‑intensive procedures, high‑risk surgical areas, known airborne or bloodborne pathogen risk |
When do you need a CPE gown – and when should you choose PE or SMS?
CPE vs basic PE
Basic PE (polyethylene) gowns are the least expensive option. They offer fluid resistance but tend to be stiff, noisy, and poorly ventilated. CPE (chlorinated polyethylene) is a modified polymer – more flexible, quieter, and significantly more tear‑resistant than standard PE. For staff who complain about sweating or gowns tearing mid‑shift, moving to CPE is a practical upgrade at only 20‑30% higher cost.
CPE vs SMS
SMS (spunbond‑meltblown‑spunbond) is a three‑layer nonwoven fabric with a meltblown core that filters particles and bacteria. SMS is more breathable and offers higher barrier protection (typically Level 3 or 4), but it costs significantly more. CPE gowns are roughly 30‑50% cheaper per unit than equivalent SMS isolation gowns at comparable protection levels. Many facilities use a tiered approach: CPE gowns for routine care and low‑splash procedures, SMS gowns for higher‑risk situations such as surgery or known aerosol‑generating procedures.
When should you choose CPE?
- General wards and outpatient clinics – daily patient interactions where moderate fluid exposure is possible
- Dental surgeries – scaling, polishing, minor oral surgery, where splatter is frequent but not high‑volume
- Emergency department – suturing, IV insertion, wound irrigation
- Phlebotomy and blood draw stations – where blood splashes are possible
- Nursing homes and aged care – incontinence care, bathing, changing linens
- Laboratories – handling patient specimens where spillage is possible
CPE gowns are also used outside traditional healthcare: veterinary clinics, food processing, beauty salons, tattoo studios, and industrial painting. The material resists fluids, oils, and fats, making it suitable for a wide range of wet or dirty environments.
What else do you need to know about CPE gowns?
Can CPE gowns protect against viruses?
A CPE gown provides a fluid barrier. It reduces exposure to virus‑laden droplets but is not tested for viral penetration under ASTM F1671 (the test required for Level 4 and for claims of viral resistance). For procedures where known or suspected airborne transmission is a concern, a higher‑level gown (SMS Level 3 or Level 4) is required – along with appropriate respiratory protection.
Are CPE gowns breathable?
The CPE film itself is not porous. However, most CPE gowns are designed with an open back and tie closures, allowing air to circulate. For extended wear in hot environments – such as a busy emergency room in summer – an SMS gown offers better breathability. For shorter procedures or cool environments, the open back on a CPE gown is usually sufficient.
Can CPE gowns be reused?
No. CPE isolation gowns are single‑use only. They must be discarded after each patient encounter or procedure. Reusing a disposable gown compromises barrier integrity and increases infection risk. Follow local medical waste disposal regulations.