IPAC Canada's Guidance on Gown Use
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Canada provides evidence-based guidelines for when healthcare workers should wear isolation gowns. These guidelines, aligned with the CSA Z317.10 standard and provincial public health directives, help facilities standardize PPE use and reduce healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Yet many Canadian facilities still struggle with inconsistent gown usage — either overusing them (driving up costs) or underusing them (creating exposure risk).
This article clarifies exactly when to wear a gown based on the latest IPAC Canada recommendations.
Understanding AAMI PB70 Testing Standards
Contact Precautions — The Primary Trigger
Isolation gown protocol is most often activated under Contact Precautions. According to IPAC Canada, gowns are required when:
Matching Gown Level to Clinical Application
- The patient is known or suspected to be colonized or infected with a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) such as MRSA, VRE, ESBL-producing organisms, or C. difficile.
- The patient has acute diarrhea, vomiting, or uncontrolled secretions.
- The patient has draining wounds, ostomies, or skin infections that cannot be contained.
- There is anticipated contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions.
CliniEco Level 1 isolation gowns meet IPAC Canada's recommendations for standard contact precautions.
Cost Considerations for Canadian Facilities
IPAC Canada's Risk Assessment Framework
IPAC recommends a risk-based approach to when to wear gown. Healthcare workers should assess each patient interaction for:
| Risk Factor | Gown Required? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct contact with patient's skin (intact) | Optional (based on facility policy) | Taking vital signs, general assessment |
| Contact with body fluids or non-intact skin | Yes | Wound care, blood draw, catheter care |
| Patient on Contact Precautions | Yes — upon entry | MRSA-positive patient room |
| Patient on Droplet/Airborne Precautions | May be required based on additional risk | COVID-19, influenza (plus N95) |
| Environmental cleaning of isolation rooms | Yes | Cleaning after C. difficile patient discharge |
Donning and Doffing Sequence
Proper PPE guidelines emphasize correct donning and doffing to prevent self-contamination. IPAC Canada recommends:
Donning (putting on):
- Hand hygiene
- Gown (tie at neck and waist, ensure full coverage of torso and arms)
- Mask or N95 respirator (depending on precaution type)
- Eye protection (if splash risk)
- Gloves (extend over gown cuffs)
Doffing (removing):
- Remove gloves (glove-to-glove, skin-to-skin technique)
- Remove gown (pull from back, turning inside out, roll into a bundle)
- Hand hygiene
- Remove eye protection
- Remove mask/respirator (by straps, avoid touching front)
- Hand hygiene again
Common Gown-Use Mistakes
- ❌ Wearing the same gown for multiple patient encounters — gowns are single-use and must be changed between patients
- ❌ Removing gown by pulling from the front — this contaminates hands and clothing
- ❌ Reusing gowns in the same patient room — discard after leaving the room
- ❌ Not wearing a gown when splashing is anticipated during a procedure
- ❌ Wearing a gown when there is zero anticipated contact — unnecessary waste and cost
Gown Selection by Clinical Setting
Different Canadian healthcare settings have different needs for infection control gown selection:
- Hospitals & acute care: Mix of Level 1 and Level 2 gowns, with Level 3 for OR and ER. High-volume, multi-patient use.
- Long-term care (LTC): Predominantly Level 1 gowns for contact precautions and personal care. Comfort and ease of donning are critical.
- Clinics & outpatient: Level 1 gowns for standard procedures. Lower volume but need easy access.
- Dental clinics: Level 1 or 2 with face protection. Higher splash risk from dental procedures.
Building an IPAC-Compliant Gown Program
A compliant gown program requires three elements: the right policies (based on IPAC Canada guidelines), the right products (isolation gowns with appropriate AAMI PB70 ratings), and the right training for all staff. CliniEco Medical supports Canadian healthcare with AAMI-rated disposable isolation gowns, biodegradable options, and bulk procurement programs. Visit CliniEco.ca to explore our gown range and ensure your facility meets IPAC standards.
Related Reading
Explore more guides in this category:
- PLA Isolation Gowns for Long-Term Care: Eco-Friendly Protection
- Isolation Gown Selection: Level 1 vs Level 2 Protection for Canadian Healthcare
- Isolation Gowns for Ontario LTC Homes: What Inspectors Look For in 2026
Also read: start with our underpad buying guide for absorbency, sizing and cost.
0 comments