What is the correct order for removing PPE to prevent contamination?

What is the correct order for removing PPE to prevent contamination?

• A. Remove gloves, then gown, then eye protection, then mask, then hand hygiene
• B. Remove gloves, then gown, then mask, then eye protection, then hand hygiene
• C. Remove gloves, then eye protection, then gown, then mask, followed by hand hygiene
• D. Remove gloves, then eye protection, then gown, then mask, followed by hand hygiene

Answer: (C)

Removing PPE in this order focuses on minimizing self-contamination by taking off the most contaminated items first and then addressing items that could transfer contaminants to your face or skin. First, gloves come off because they are in direct contact with potentially infectious material. After gloves are removed, taking off eye protection protects the mucous membranes and reduces the chance that contaminated surfaces on the protective gear could touch your eyes during removal. Next, the gown is removed to prevent contaminants on its outside from reaching your clothes or skin as you peel it away. The mask is then removed by handling the straps, which keeps the front of the mask from touching your face and minimizes touching contaminated surfaces. Finally, performing hand hygiene cleans any residual pathogens from your hands, ensuring your skin is safe before you touch anything else.

Removing PPE in this order focuses on minimizing self-contamination by taking off the most contaminated items first and then addressing items that could transfer contaminants to your face or skin. First, gloves come off because they are in direct contact with potentially infectious material. After gloves are removed, taking off eye protection protects the mucous membranes and reduces the chance that contaminated surfaces on the protective gear could touch your eyes during removal. Next, the gown is removed to prevent contaminants on its outside from reaching your clothes or skin as you peel it away. The mask is then removed by handling the straps, which keeps the front of the mask from touching your face and minimizes touching contaminated surfaces. Finally, performing hand hygiene cleans any residual pathogens from your hands, ensuring your skin is safe before you touch anything else.