What is the correct order for proper donning of PPE?

What is the correct order for proper donning of PPE?

• A. Hand hygiene, gown, mask/respirator, goggles/faceshield, gloves
• B. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles, hand hygiene
• C. Gown, gloves, mask, goggles, hand hygiene
• D. Mask, goggles, gloves, gown, hand hygiene

Answer: (A)

Starting with clean hands and moving outward to the protective barriers is essential to minimize self-contamination and maintain a solid protective layer. Begin with hand hygiene so your hands aren’t carrying contaminants when you touch any PPE. Then put on the gown to protect your clothing and skin and to create a barrier for your arms. Next, apply the mask or respirator to cover your nose and mouth, ensuring a proper seal. After that, put on eye protection (goggles or face shield) to shield the eyes from splashes or droplets. Finally, don gloves, pulling them over the gown cuffs to seal at the wrists and keep hands protected during patient contact. This sequence keeps clean hands from touching contaminated surfaces and ensures every barrier is in place before contact with the patient. Sequences that start with gloves or skip handing hygiene first would risk contaminating the PPE or the wearer, and doing mask or eye protection before securing the gown can create gaps in protection.

Starting with clean hands and moving outward to the protective barriers is essential to minimize self-contamination and maintain a solid protective layer. Begin with hand hygiene so your hands aren’t carrying contaminants when you touch any PPE. Then put on the gown to protect your clothing and skin and to create a barrier for your arms. Next, apply the mask or respirator to cover your nose and mouth, ensuring a proper seal. After that, put on eye protection (goggles or face shield) to shield the eyes from splashes or droplets. Finally, don gloves, pulling them over the gown cuffs to seal at the wrists and keep hands protected during patient contact. This sequence keeps clean hands from touching contaminated surfaces and ensures every barrier is in place before contact with the patient.

Sequences that start with gloves or skip handing hygiene first would risk contaminating the PPE or the wearer, and doing mask or eye protection before securing the gown can create gaps in protection.