What is the proper order to don PPE for standard precautions?

What is the proper order to don PPE for standard precautions?

• A. Hand hygiene, gown, mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, gloves
• B. Gloves, mask, gown, goggles, hand hygiene
• C. Hand hygiene, gown, mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, gloves
• D. Gown, hand hygiene, mask, gloves, goggles

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to don PPE in a clean-to-contaminated sequence so you protect yourself and avoid transferring germs between pieces. Start with hand hygiene so your hands are clean before touching anything. Then put on the gown to protect your clothing and skin and to provide a clean surface for the next steps. After that, place the mask or respirator to cover the nose and mouth, which helps prevent droplets from reaching your airway and reduces the chance of contaminating the rest of the PPE. Next, put on eye protection (goggles or face shield) to shield the eyes from splashes while the mask is in place. Finally, don the gloves so your hands are protected after all other PPE is worn. Wearing gloves last helps keep your hands clean during the donning process and prevents contaminating other PPE.

The key idea is to don PPE in a clean-to-contaminated sequence so you protect yourself and avoid transferring germs between pieces. Start with hand hygiene so your hands are clean before touching anything. Then put on the gown to protect your clothing and skin and to provide a clean surface for the next steps. After that, place the mask or respirator to cover the nose and mouth, which helps prevent droplets from reaching your airway and reduces the chance of contaminating the rest of the PPE. Next, put on eye protection (goggles or face shield) to shield the eyes from splashes while the mask is in place. Finally, don the gloves so your hands are protected after all other PPE is worn. Wearing gloves last helps keep your hands clean during the donning process and prevents contaminating other PPE.