When healthcare workers care for patients with a contagious disease, they wear personal protective equipment (PPE).  Isolation gowns are a crucial part of their PPE and yet they fail to meet FDA requirements. These inadequate gowns increase the risk of spreading infections within hospitals, endangering the lives of both healthcare workers and the patients they care for.

The isolation gown industry is a $1 billion annual market and I had the opportunity to meet with one of the largest manufacturers in the world. Naively, I believed that showing them the failures would prompt quick adjustments to provide effective protection.

Instead, the manufacturer bluntly stated that they already knew the gowns in question are ineffective, and essentially, no one cares. But I care. 

The realization that profit is prioritized over our lives in an industry making personal protective equipment ignited a fire within me. This is not just about me – it's about all of us who rely on these gowns for protection. 

I urge you to join me in signing a petition calling upon the FDA to reclassify non-surgical isolation gowns as "non-exempt." This reclassification would mandate manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with FDA regulations before their products can be sold in the US, ensuring the quality and safety of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all.

Your signature matters. Spread the word to colleagues, friends, and family members. Together, we can make a change.  Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Maggie Koos, MD

 

 

EXPOSED TOPS CAN BECOME A SOURCE OF INFECTIOUS SPREAD!