A Technical Review: IL-2022YTU AAMI Level 1 Gown
As an Infection Control Professional, your role is to ensure the right PPE is used for the right risk. Mismatching is a major concern: over-protection is wasteful and causes staff discomfort, while under-protection is a clear safety failure. The Medtecs IL-2022YTU is a non-sterile, disposable gown specifically engineered and certified for AAMI PB70 Level 1 applications. It is the appropriate, documented solution for your facility’s low-risk and minimal-fluid scenarios.
Performance & Material Specification
This gown’s performance is rooted in its material. It is constructed from 22gsm, 4-layer SMMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Meltblown-Spunbond) fabric. This composite material offers a balance of breathability and barrier, which is superior to basic spunbond PP.
- Barrier Certification: The gown is fully compliant with AAMI Level 1, passing the AATCC 42 Water Impact test (Spray Impact ≤ 4.5g).
- Seam Construction: Features sewn seams, which are the standard and appropriate construction for AAMI Level 1.
- Fabric Properties: The 22gsm SMMS fabric provides a soft, breathable user experience and a reliable particle barrier.
Key Safety Feature: Integrated Thumb Loops
A gown’s barrier is only as good as its weakest link. From an IC perspective, the glove-gown interface is a critical point of failure. The IL-2022YTU directly addresses this with built-in thumb loops. This feature anchors the sleeve, preventing the ‘sleeve ride-up’ that commonly occurs with elastic cuffs. This creates a more secure, gap-free seal, which is a significant compliance and safety advantage.
The Right Gown for Low-Risk Protocols
The IL-2022YTU is the correct choice for standardizing your low-risk protocols, including:
- Standard precautions in general patient wards
- Visitor use in contact or droplet precaution rooms
- Staff in low-fluid clinical areas (e.g., phlebotomy, basic exams)
- Basic lab work
It provides a certified barrier, encourages staff compliance through comfort, and prevents the unnecessary use of higher-level (L2/L3) gowns in low-risk settings.
AAMI Level Gown Specification Comparison
This table helps delineate the IL-2022YTU’s intended use relative to other protection levels.
| Specification | IL-2022YTU (AAMI Level 1) | AAMI Level 2 Gown | AAMI Level 3 Gown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Test | AATCC 42 (Water Impact) | AATCC 42 & AATCC 127 (Hydrostatic) | AATCC 42 & AATCC 127 (Higher Pressure) |
| Test Passed | Yes (≤ 4.5g) | Passes L2 standards | Passes L3 standards |
| Seams | Sewn Seams | Sewn or Ultrasonic | Taped or Ultrasonic |
| Intended Use | Minimal Risk (e.g., Basic Care) | Low Risk (e.g., Blood Draw, Suturing) | Moderate Risk (e.g., ER, Trauma) |
| Key Feature | Breathability + Thumb Loops | Fluid Resistance + Thumb Loops | Imperviousness |
