Selecting the right surgical gown for your procedure has just become easier with Cardinal Health's new color-coding system. Convertors® surgical gowns now have color-coded packaging to reflect the gown's classification level according to AAMI Standard PB70:2003 Liquid Barrier Performance of Protective Apparel (for a complete copy of this standard visit www.aami.org).

The AAMI Standard classifies surgical gowns into four categories based on their liquid barrier performance using a combinatin of industry standard tests. Level 1 is the lowest level of protection, while Level 4 is the highest level, offering impervious protection.

The entire front of a surgical gown (areas A, B and C), including the seam and other components, is required to provide a minimum level of barrier protection (Level 1). Since the back of the gown (area D), intended for surgical applications, is expected to stay dry, there is no liquid barrier performance requirements for that area. The critical zones of a surgical gown (areas A and B) can be constructed to provide increased protection (Level 2, 3 and 4). The classification of the entire surgical gown is based on the lowest level of protection with the critical zone.

> SmartGown™ Surgical Gowns are classified as Level 4, the highest rating established by the AAMI

> Astound® and SmartSleeve surgical gowns are classified as level 3 and 4

> Tiburon® Surgical Drapes are classified as Level 4 – the highest rating established by AAMI.

To obtain more information about these exciting products, or receive your Cardinal Health brochure summarizing the AAMI barrier standards, click here.