Thermal drapes. An aluminum- coated plastic body cover reflects radiant body heat back to the patient to reduce intraoperative heat loss. A sterile, nonconductive, radiolucent thermal drape may be wrapped in nonsterile reflective covers (thermaldrape) in the preoperative holding area. These may remain in place through the surgical procedure under standard sterile drapes and during postoperative recovery in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). A reflective blanket or thermal drape is recommended when more than 60% of the body surface can be covered and when the surgical procedure will last more than 2 hours.
Nonwoven, disposable drapes are supplied prepackaged and presterilized by the manufacturer. A sterile package may contain a single drape, or it may have all of the drapes needed for a procedure, including towels, a Mayo stand and instrument table covers, and gowns. Unused disposable drapes and gowns should not be resterilized unless the manufacturer provides written instructions for reprocessing.
Woven Textile Fabrics
The thread count and finish of woven natural fibers determine the integrity and porosity of reusable fabrics. Tightly woven textile fabrics may inhibit migration of microorganisms. Cotton fibers swell when they become wet. This swelling action closes pores or interstices so that liquid cannot diffuse through tightly woven fibers. The fabric can be treated to further repel fluids (i.e., be impermeable to moisture strike through). Reusable drapes may be made of 270- or 280- thread-count pima cotton with a Quarpel finish. This fluorochemical finish combined with phenazopyridine or a melanin hydrophobe produces a durable water-resistant fabric. However, this fabric has essentially the same heat-retaining qualities as plastic lamination, so it cannot be used for complete patient draping. This treated material can be used as reinforcement around fenestrations in otherwise untreated drapes.
Tightly woven 100% polyester reusable fabrics are hydrophobic (repel water duplets) but allow vapor permeation. Other reusable fabrics with different construction but similar properties may be used.
The following points about reusable woven textile drapes should be considered:
- Material must be steam-penetrable and must withstand multiple sterilization cycles.
-When packaged for sterilization, drapes must be properly folded and arranged in sequence of use. Drapes may be fan-folded or rolled.
-Material must be free from holes and tears. The person who folds the drape is responsible for inspecting it for holes. Those detected may be covered with heat-seal patches. Tears or punctures (e.g., form towel clips or sharp instruments) Compromise barrier qualities of drapes.
-Drapes should be sufficiently impermeable to prevent moisture from soaking through them. Moisture has a wicking action that ca cause migration of microorganisms.
-Reusable fabrics must maintain barrier qualities through multiple launderings. Densely woven treated cotton will become moisture permeable after about 75 washing; become moisture permeable after about 75 washings: become moisture permeable after as few as 30 washings. Repeated drying ironing and steam sterilizing also after fabric sterilizing cycles should be recorded and drapes that are no longer effective as barriers should be taken out of use.