Modern technologies and innovations in medical clothing

The main function of medical clothing is to protect against infections. At the same time, the comfort of healthcare workers while wearing the uniform is very important. Combining these components is not an easy task, and not every fabric can do it. That is why scientists are constantly working to improve the materials and manufacturing process of medical clothing, so that modern technological solutions surprise with their effectiveness, practicality and versatility.

Modern fabrics for the medical industry

The combination of natural and synthetic fibres has become a turning point in the production of medical textiles. Blended fabrics made it possible to eliminate the disadvantages of single-component materials:

• complexity of care;
• allergic reactions;
• accumulation of static charge;
• loss of shape, colour, shrinkage.

The fabrics have also gained the ability to repel dirt and liquids, thanks to dense fibre weaving and special impregnation. Advanced materials have expanded the possibilities for fashion designers to be creative. As a result, new styles of uniforms have emerged that have made it possible to uniquely distinguish medical staff in different institutions and specialisations.

Today, when medical clothing provides highly effective protection for employees, innovative developments are associated with improving the environmental friendliness of medical fabrics. A novelty in this area is a fabric containing bamboo fibres.

Bamboo grows quickly - it has a renewal cycle of only 5 years and provides a safe and practical material, the use of which contributes to the preservation of green spaces on the planet. Properties of bamboo fabric:

• strong wear resistance;
• hygroscopicity is higher than that of cotton;
• hypoallergenicity;
• antibacterial effect;
• antistatic properties;
• ability to retain ultraviolet radiation.

This material is obtained by grinding bamboo and then turning it into threads.

Features of nonwovens for medical clothing

Non-woven fabrics are the most rational solution for manufacturing protective medical clothing with minimal bacteriological permeability. They are 100% synthetic, made of polypropylene. A typical representative is spunbond, which is very popular due to its properties:

• light weight,
• resistance to alkalis and acids;
• impermeability to microorganisms;
• ability to withstand sterilisation;
• lack of pile.

The possibilities of nonwoven textiles are expanded by adding components that give the product

• hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity;
• antistatic properties;
• non-flammability.

To produce medical spunbond, polymeric raw materials are melted using the spunbonding process. The fabric is formed by gluing the softened fibres together. Polyester and polyethylene are added to the composition to reduce the cost of the product.

The advantage of spunbond is that its fibres are biologically inert, so they do not create foci for the development of pathogenic microorganisms on clothing and do not form toxic compounds in the air. The material is used for the manufacture of disposable medical clothing and accessories:

• suits and coveralls;
• obstetric and surgical kits;
• shoe covers and masks.

Innovative sewing equipment

A promising innovation in the manufacture of medical clothing is seamless technology, the essence of which is to connect the fabric by ultrasound or gluing with a special tape. Its advantages are

increased comfort due to the absence of rough seams;
edge processing to preserve the integrity of the fabric;
no punctures - the ability to produce hermetic coveralls for work in hazardous areas.
The gluing method was initially used only on polymeric fibres, but today the technological capabilities of its use have been developed for cotton. The process is carried out using:

• ultrasonic welding machines;
• gluing machines with tape feeding and cutting;
• pneumatic presses;
• machines that seal seams with hot air.

Seamless medical clothing is not inferior to conventional clothing in terms of aesthetic parameters. It is also characterised by a modern cut, fashionable styles and attractive appearance.

LVB always strives to keep pace with the times and follows innovative solutions in the manufacture of clothing for healthcare professionals. We offer our customers high-quality products that meet safety requirements and the latest market trends.

"Change your view of medical clothing: Open up unexplored horizons with modern technology and innovation!"