How should you safely remove PPE to avoid self-contamination?

How should you safely remove PPE to avoid self-contamination?

• A. Remove gloves first, then gown, then goggles/face shield, then mask; perform hand hygiene after all doffing steps.
• B. Remove mask first, then gloves, then gown, then goggles; hand hygiene after all steps.
• C. Remove goggles first, then gloves, then gown, then mask; no hand hygiene.
• D. Remove gown first, then mask, then gloves, then goggles; no hand hygiene.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to remove contaminated PPE in an order that minimizes the chance of transferring microbes to your skin or mucous membranes, and to clean your hands at the end. Start with the gloves because they are the most contaminated and can easily transfer pathogens to your hands and face. Once the gloves are off, remove the gown so that any contamination on its outer surface doesn’t come into contact with your skin as you move away from the patient. Next, take off the goggles or face shield to protect your eyes and prevent touching the eyes with contaminated surfaces. Finally, remove the mask, keeping hands away from your mouth and nose. After all doffing steps, perform hand hygiene to ensure any contaminants on your hands are eliminated.

The main idea is to remove contaminated PPE in an order that minimizes the chance of transferring microbes to your skin or mucous membranes, and to clean your hands at the end. Start with the gloves because they are the most contaminated and can easily transfer pathogens to your hands and face. Once the gloves are off, remove the gown so that any contamination on its outer surface doesn’t come into contact with your skin as you move away from the patient. Next, take off the goggles or face shield to protect your eyes and prevent touching the eyes with contaminated surfaces. Finally, remove the mask, keeping hands away from your mouth and nose. After all doffing steps, perform hand hygiene to ensure any contaminants on your hands are eliminated.