Level 2 Isolation Gowns Explained: Embalming Gown Barrier Levels for Funeral Homes and Morgues
Gown listings and boxes often mention "Level 2" or "Level 3." Here's what those numbers mean, how they're tested and how to match them to deathcare work.
The four barrier levels
ANSI/AAMI PB70 classifies protective apparel by how well it resists liquid. The FDA recognizes the standard and summarizes the levels this way:
| Level | Risk | FDA examples |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minimal | Basic care, standard isolation, visitor cover gowns |
| 2 | Low | Blood draws, suturing, ICU, pathology lab |
| 3 | Moderate | Arterial blood draws, IV insertion, ER, trauma |
| 4 | High | Long, fluid-intense procedures, surgery, suspected infectious disease |
How Level 2 is tested
According to the CDC's summary of PB70, Level 2 material must pass two water tests: an impact penetration test (AATCC 42) with no more than 1.0 g of water getting through, and a hydrostatic pressure test (AATCC 127) holding at least 20 cm of water. Levels 1 through 3 are tested with water only; only Level 4 is tested against viral penetration.
Film gowns and the back panel
Polyethylene film itself is impervious, so liquid doesn't wick through the front or sleeves. Most plastic thumb-loop gowns are open-back with long ties, which makes them quick to put on and remove but leaves the back uncovered. For work where you'll be splashed from behind or need full-body coverage, choose a closed-back gown or a coverall.
Matching the level to the task
- Removals, dressing, casketing, viewing prep: Level 1 or Level 2.
- Routine embalming: a Level 2 fluid-barrier gown is a common choice, worn with heavy gloves, eye and face protection, and sleeve covers or an apron for heavy fluid. See OSHA PPE requirements for embalmers.
- Autopsy, traumatic or heavily decomposed cases: step up to Level 3 or 4, a fluid-resistant coverall or a Tychem suit.
- Known or suspected infectious disease: follow current CDC and health department guidance; see infectious disease decedent care.
Your own exposure-control plan and risk assessment should make the final call. These are general starting points.
Thumb loop gowns from AME
Our AME thumb loop isolation gowns are impervious polyethylene embalming gowns with thin plastic thumb loops, in blue or pink, 100 per case. See case pricing and specifications.
AME thumb loop isolation gowns, 100 per case
Impervious polyethylene embalming gowns with thin plastic thumb loops, one universal size, in blue or pink. From $97.02 per case of 100, in 100-gown steps up to 1,000. See case pricing and specs or request a bulk quote.
More isolation gown guides
- Funeral home PPE: embalming gowns, isolation gowns and supplies
- Blue embalming gowns with thumb loops
- Thumb-loop vs. knit-cuff vs. open-cuff gowns
- Polyethylene vs. SMS isolation gowns
- Pink isolation gowns and color-coding PPE
- How to put on and remove a thumb-loop gown
- How many isolation gowns a funeral home needs
Related PPE guides
- OSHA PPE requirements for embalmers
- Prep room PPE problems and solutions
- New funeral home PPE checklist
- Mass fatality PPE stockpile guide
- Infectious disease decedent care: PPE for funeral homes
- OSHA PPE levels A–D: a Tychem selection guide
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