Level 3 Garbing Procedure

Document Identification and Job Aid Overview

  • Document Number: JA.OH1.09.903.A

  • Title: Vestis Sterile Garbing Job Aid

  • Revision Date: Updated 11/19/2025

  • Gowning Standard: This procedure details the "Inside out from Waist Up Fold" method, designed to ensure maximum sterility during the garbing process by limiting contact with the outer surfaces of the garment.

Preliminary Handling and Sterile Unfolding

  • Initial Extraction: Remove the coverall from its protective packaging.

  • Unfolding Technique: Hold the coverall by the end opposite the collar to allow it to unfold naturally.

  • Sterile Contact Boundary: Throughout the unfolding process, contact must be restricted exclusively to the inside of the coverall to prevent contamination of the sterile exterior surface.

Positioning and Orientation for Gowning

  • Height Adjustment: Allow the collar of the garment to fall to the level of the knees.

  • Identification Alignment: Position the coverall so that the barcode is facing specifically toward the knees. This orientation is critical for the subsequent folding steps.

Creation of the Protective 'Bowl' Structure

  • First Pleat Manipulation: Grasp the pleat on one side and bring it up to the waist level.

  • Second Pleat Manipulation: Grasp the pleat on the opposite side and bring it upwards to meet the waist.

  • Functional Purpose of the 'Bowl': Bringing the pleats to the waist creates a physical 'bowl' configuration. This structure is specifically designed to act as a cradle for the arms and legs, ensuring that they remain safely off the floor and away from non-sterile surfaces during the gowning sequence.

Executing the Step-In and Lower Body Entry

  • Initial Leg Entry: Carefully step into the coverall with the first leg.

  • The 'Through the Bowl' Movement: When inserting the leg, the foot must be pushed 'through the bowl' to maintain the integrity of the fold and the distance from the floor.

  • Secondary Leg Entry: Proceed to step into the coverall with the other leg to complete the lower body insertion.

Upper Body Entry and Final Closure

  • Waist Alignment: Pull the garment up fully to the waist level.

  • Arm Insertion: Carefully insert both arms into the corresponding sleeves of the coverall.

  • Final Securement: Complete the process by zipping up the coverall entirely to ensure a sterile seal.