A factory prices a specification, not a request. "AAMI Level 2 isolation gowns, best price" starts a conversation. The nine lines below end it. Write them in this order and any factory can price the gown in a day.
The Nine Lines
- Level and standard. AAMI PB70 Level 1 or Level 2 for isolation gowns. Say which. Level 1 is basic care; Level 2 covers blood draws, ICU and lab work.
- Material. SPP (spunbond polypropylene) for the lightest cover gowns. SMS for Level 2. PE (polyethylene film) for a waterproof apron style gown at low cost. CPE or PE laminated SMS for a fluid heavy non surgical use. Each is a different price and feel.
- Weight. Grams per square metre. 20 to 25 gsm for SPP cover gowns, 30 to 35 gsm for Level 1 SMS, 35 to 45 gsm for Level 2. Heavier is not always better; it is warmer and costs more.
- Size and pattern. Regular, large, extra large, or universal. State the chest width and length. A universal gown saves inventory complexity and costs a little more material.
- Neck and waist. Ties at neck and waist, or a neck tie with a waist belt. Over the head with side ties for fast donning. Full back or open back.
- Cuff. Elastic cuff is cheapest. Knit cuff is the standard for clinical use. Thumb hook when the gown is worn under gloves for long periods.
- Colour. Blue and yellow are the clinical standards, yellow often for contact isolation. White for non medical use. Colour is a dye lot on the roll and needs a minimum.
- Sterility. Isolation gowns are usually non sterile. If sterile, say EO to ISO 11135 and specify the sterile barrier pack.
- Packaging and artwork. Pieces per bag, bags per carton, carton size and weight limits for your receiving, label content, your artwork if private label, and whether Trust ID goes on the product label or only the carton.
Three Things Buyers Leave Out
- The test reports they want with each lot. Ask for AATCC 42 and AATCC 127 on the finished gown, not only the fabric.
- The registration the market needs. FDA listing for the US, CE for Europe, TGA for Australia. It is not automatic.
- The origin. For US delivery, say China, Cambodia or both. It changes the duty line.
Where to Go from Here
Every gown and drape on our protective apparel page is listed with its level, tests and construction. The tariff page carries the current duty picture for US buyers, and the quotation request takes a spec, a SKU or a competitor's item.