‘60 Minutes' investigation raises questions about some surgical gowns

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A "60 minutes" investigation showed that the surgical gowns meant to protect health care workers from the Ebola virus could have been faulty.

During the most recent outbreak two years ago, more than 500 healthcare workers across the country died treating the disease, which highlighted the importance of protective gear. One company was allegedly selling faulty protective gear to hospitals during the crisis.

The "60 Minutes" investigation is raising questions about the surgical gowns doctors wear to protect themselves while treating patients. The gowns are supposed to be impermeable, meaning blood and other body fluids can't get through onto the surgeon.

But when blood does get through, it’s called “strike through.” According to the 60 Minutes report, surgeons at UF Health in Jacksonville said they repeatedly experienced blood getting through the gowns and onto their skin.

The “60 Minutes” report said surgeons took pictures of their bloody arms and sent it to the company that makes the gowns. The “60 Minutes” report showed that the gowns allegedly failed multiple tests.

Action News Jax reached out to UF Health Jacksonville to see if any medical personnel or patients were affected by the faulty surgical gowns. We’ll bring you the response as soon as we get it.

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