What type of gown should surgical technologists wear in the operating room?

In the operating room, surgical technologists must wear a sterile surgical gown to maintain the hygiene and safety standards necessary for surgical procedures. Sterile surgical gowns are specifically designed to be impermeable and provide a barrier against the transmission of pathogens. These gowns help protect both the surgical team and the patient from potential infections during surgery. The use of a sterile gown is crucial because it minimizes the risk of contamination in the sterile field, ensuring that the surgical environment remains as safe as possible for invasive procedures.

Other types of garments, like casual uniforms, standard patient gowns, or lab coats, do not provide the same level of protection or sterility. Casual uniforms may lack the required barriers against fluids, while patient gowns are intended for patient use and not for operating room personnel. Lab coats might be useful in certain clinical settings but do not meet the necessary standards for sterility required during surgical procedures. Hence, the sterile surgical gown is the appropriate choice for surgical technologists in the operating room.