US’ Merrow Manufacturing and Precision Fabrics Group (PFG) have mobilised their resources to alleviate shortages, sub-standard design, highly variable quality and increased prices of PPE by domestically producing reusable Level 1 and 2 isolation gowns. The gown was created in collaboration with infection prevention nurses and medical product engineers.

In addition to being reusable up to 125 times, the medical protective gowns are made of high-performance, antimicrobial, medical grade fabric, engineered for optimal protection of the body and neck areas, while also being priced competitively with lower quality, disposable PPE alternatives on a cost-per-use basis, the companies said in a media release.

An unprecedented backlog of all imports, which includes medical products, has created a crippling supply chain crisis throughout the US. Last week, the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach announced that a record 70 container vessels were waiting offshore to unload their goods. The two companies are producing the gowns in response to this situation.

According to Merrow Manufacturing CEO Charlie Merrow, this advancement in isolation gown design and fabrication will not only sustain a supply of much needed US-sourced PPE for healthcare workers, but also lower costs, enhance efficiencies and maintain quality.

“The scarcity of PPE in the US during 2020 preceded a hospital staffing crisis that is currently forcing some facilities to ration care. The latest increase in COVID cases only exacerbates the potential for substantial supply-chain disruption that has ensnared movement of goods worldwide,” said Merrow. “By combining this new innovative product with our sustainable production model, we can prevent a catastrophe.”

The facilities in which the gowns are manufactured are registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Proven in independent testing, the Merrow/PFG L2 Medical Gown meets and exceeds ASTM Level 1 & 2 standards.