Underscoring the important role that standards play in supporting safety in the healthcare context, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has referenced standards for personal protective equipment (PPE) used in healthcare. The agency’s guidance outlines scientific evidence and information on national and international standards, test methods, and specifications for fluid-resistant and impermeable gowns and coveralls used in healthcare.
Among the referenced standards is the American national standard developed by the protective barriers committee of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, Liquid Barrier Performance and Classification of Protective Apparel and Drapes in Healthcare Facilities (ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012). The standard establishes a classification system and the associated minimum requirements for the liquid barrier performance of protective apparel, including surgical and isolation gowns for use in healthcare facilities. The standard is based on industry-accepted test methods. AAMI is a member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and an accredited standards developer.
CDC also references standards from ANSI member and audited designator ASTM International, which has developed a number of standards for patient examination gloves. These standards include:
- Standard Specification for Nitrile Examination Gloves for Medical Applications (ASTM D6319).
- Standard Specification for Rubber Examination Gloves (ASTM D3578).
- Standard Specification for Poly(vinyl chloride) Gloves for Medical Application (ASTM D5250).
- Standard Specification for Polychloroprene Examination Gloves for Medical Application (ASTM D6977).
To read more, visit CDC.
