Medical textiles are one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the textile market. This includes such product categories as precaution gowns, patient gowns, laboratory coats and scrubs. The rising need for medical textiles reflects an aging population, longer life spans, more Americans gaining access to healthcare and more advanced healthcare procedures. Healthcare facilities need cost-effective textile supplies to reduce operating costs, which are increasing due to the influx of patients, an unpredictable economy and reduced Medicare assistance. A comparison of reusable vs. disposable products reveals the overall advantages of reusable textiles, including cost savings, waste reduction and infection control ...