An AAMI Level 2 isolation gown is a gown whose fabric and construction have been tested against the Level 2 criteria in the AAMI PB70 standard, which classifies protective apparel by barrier performance. In practical terms, Level 2 sits above minimal protection and below the highest-barrier gowns, and it is the level most often selected for routine patient care where a splash or spray is possible.
The rating is about liquid barrier performance. It is not a rating of the gown's fit, its breathability, or how well it holds up after repeated laundering, and it is not a statement about a specific disease.
What does the PB70 standard actually test?
PB70 defines levels of barrier performance based on standardised test methods. Lower levels are assessed with simple impact penetration tests, while higher levels use hydrostatic pressure or a synthetic blood penetration test at defined pressures. The level is a property of the gown's fabric and seams, established by those tests rather than by a manufacturer's marketing description.
| Level | Barrier expectation | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Minimal fluid resistance | Standard precautions, visitor contact, minimal fluid tasks |
| Level 2 | Low fluid resistance | Routine patient care, blood draw, suturing, general ward care |
| Level 3 | Moderate fluid resistance | Arterial blood draw, inserting a line, procedures with moderate fluid volume |
| Level 4 | Highest fluid and microbial resistance | Prolonged, high-fluid procedures where pathogen transmission risk is high |
Which tasks belong at Level 2?
Level 2 is the usual fit for direct patient care where a low volume of fluid exposure is plausible: assisting with personal care, general ward or unit care, blood collection, and procedures where splashing is unlikely but not impossible. Level 1 is deliberately for the lower end: basic care, visitor screening and contact where no fluid exposure is expected.
The failure mode to avoid is buying one level for the whole facility and using it for everything. That either over-protects low-exposure interactions at unnecessary cost, or under-protects the care tasks that actually generate fluid contact.
What does the rating not tell you?
Three things worth knowing. First, barrier performance is not a substitute for hand hygiene or other precautions. Second, garment design matters: an open back or a poorly tied neck allows fluid to reach the body regardless of the fabric rating. Third, the neckline and cuff design affect both coverage and the risk of the gown catching on equipment.
How should a facility spec a Level 2 gown?
Check four properties together: the PB70 level, the material and weight of the fabric, the closure design, and whether the gown is sized to cover the wearer's torso without gaping when arms are raised. A gown that is well rated but too short for the wearer is not providing the barrier the rating describes. Confirm the level in writing from the supplier before you build a facility standard on it.
Related Reading
- Isolation gown levels under AAMI PB70: which one your facility needs
- SMMS vs SMS vs spunbond: choosing gown material
- B2B wholesale collection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AAMI Level 2 isolation gown?
It is a gown whose fabric and construction meet the Level 2 barrier criteria in the AAMI PB70 classification, which is intended for low fluid resistance such as routine patient care tasks.
Is Level 2 enough for all patient care?
It covers routine care with low expected fluid exposure. Procedures with heavier fluid volume, such as inserting a line, sit at Level 3 or above, so a single level across a facility usually does not match the task mix.
Does the PB70 level include the gown design?
It classifies barrier performance of the material and construction. Design details such as back closure, neckline and length affect real-world coverage and should be assessed separately from the level.
Ordering for a clinic, lab or care home? Wholesale and multi-site ordering covers case pricing and account setup, and the B2B wholesale collection lists the lines stocked for institutional buyers.
Start with a trial: Biological Indicator 5-Pack Trial ($12.99, ships free) for a single sterilizer, or request the Rapid Reader seed trial for multi-site monitoring programs.
CliniEco Medical is a licensed medical device establishment (MDEL #35334).
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