Surgical Gowns

AAMI Levels: A Standardized Approach to Barrier Protection

Selecting the appropriate surgical gown is a critical decision in maintaining the sterile field. This guide aligns the industry-standard AAMI protection levels with our specialized gown collections to help you choose with confidence, ensuring your team has the right protection for every case.

The AAMI (Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation) system provides a tiered framework for risk management, classifying gowns based on their fluid barrier performance.

• AAMI Level 2: For low-risk, low-fluid procedures.
• AAMI Level 3: The standard for most surgical procedures with a moderate risk of fluid exposure.
• AAMI Level 4: The highest level of protection, required for long, fluid-intensive cases where pathogen and viral resistance is critical.

High-Performance Gown Collections by Fabric Technology

These surgical gowns are engineered to deliver specific performance benefits at the highest levels of protection.

Sirus® (AAMI Levels 3 & 4)
Engineered for dependable, all-around performance, our Sirus® line offers the widest range of styles and sizes to fit every need and procedure.

Aurora® (AAMI Levels 3 & 4)
Engineered to be our softest and most abrasion-resistant gown line, Aurora® delivers premium comfort and durability for procedures requiring extensive movement.

Eclipse® (AAMI Levels 2, 3 & 4)
Engineered to be our most lightweight and breathable gown line, Eclipse® provides exceptional comfort during long procedures without compromising protection.

Anatomy of a Gown

Construction, Materials & Key Features

The performance of a surgical gown is determined by its materials and construction. These technical features translate into the tangible benefits of protection, durability, and ergonomic comfort for the surgical team.

Critical Zone Reinforcement

Reinforcement adds extra layers of protection to the chest and sleeves—the areas most likely to encounter fluids.

• Non-Reinforced: A consistent, single layer of fabric throughout. Primarily used for AAMI Level 2 protection.
• Fabric-Reinforced: Additional layers of fabric are bonded to critical zones for greater fluid resistance while maintaining breathability. The standard for most AAMI Level 3 gowns.
• Poly-Reinforced: An impervious polyethylene film is bonded to critical zones, creating an absolute barrier to fluids and viruses. This is essential for achieving AAMI Level 4 protection.

Ergonomic Sleeve Design

• Set-in Sleeves: A traditional, tailored construction providing a familiar fit.
• Raglan Sleeves: A diagonal seam from the underarm to the collar allows for a greater range of motion, reducing gown pull and sleeve ride-up.
• Breathable Film Sleeves: This advanced material is fully impervious to fluids while allowing water vapor (perspiration) to escape, enhancing thermal comfort during long cases.

Evidence-Based Performance and Comfort

Independent third-party lab tests confirm Medline delivers superior performance across critical metrics. For your team, this means reliable protection and comfort where it matters most.

Ratings were determined based on industry standard tests performed by third-party/ISO certified labs. Points were assigned according to their rankings (higher numbers indicate better performance). Overall, Medline drapes and gowns outperformed leading competitors. Data available on file.

Application & Selection Guide

Use this guide to align the required AAMI protection level with the demands of the procedure.

Procedure-Based AAMI Level Recommendations

AAMI Level 2 Procedures:
Eye procedures, tonsillectomy, laparoscopy, thoracotomy. (Recommended Gown: Eclipse®)

AAMI Level 3 Procedures:
Upper extremity, EENT, hand, chest, cystoscopy, mastectomy. (Recommended Gowns: Eclipse®, Aurora®, Sirus®)

AAMI Level 4 Procedures:
C-section, total hip/knee, knee arthroscopy. (Recommended Gowns: Eclipse®, Aurora®, Sirus®)

Key Considerations for Gown Selection

What are the non-sterile components of a surgical gown?

The cuffs, neckline binding, and back of the gown are considered non-sterile. The sterile field is limited to the front of the gown from the chest to the level of the sterile field, and the sleeves from two inches above the elbow to the cuff.

How do I choose between Aurora, Sirus, and Eclipse for a Level 4 procedure?

The choice depends on surgeon preference. For maximum breathability and the lightest feel, choose Eclipse®. For the softest feel and high durability, choose Aurora®. For the widest range of sizing options and dependable all-around performance, choose Sirus®.

How does sleeve construction impact gown performance during surgery?

Raglan sleeves provide superior range of motion, which can reduce fatigue and prevent the sterile boundary from being compromised by sleeve ride-up. Set-in sleeves offer a more traditional fit that some surgeons prefer.

Explore the full Surgical Gowns collection to equip your team with the right protection.