The New European Standard for Surgical Drapes and Gowns: Issues and Implications

Abstract

Surgical teams have a wide choice of surgical drapes and gowns, including both reusable and single use, and which are made of several different materials.

The imminent publication of the first part of a new European standard (EN 13795) for theatre drapes and gowns raises a number of issues. These include the essential properties of these products for the reduction of surgical site infection and the protection of the surgical team, as well as the legal status and implications for organisations and clinical practice of the standard itself.

Infection control teams, theatre staff, procurement and supplies departments and those with responsibility for clinical governance and risk management will want to study the scope, detail and implications of this new standard. Consideration will need to be given to the content of this standard when reviewing the provision of theatre drapes and gowns In any healthcare organisation.