Which item is removed first when doffing PPE to minimize contamination?

Which item is removed first when doffing PPE to minimize contamination?

• A. Gloves.
• B. Goggles/face shield.
• C. Gown.
• D. Mask/respirator.

Answer: (A)

Removing the most contaminated item first minimizes the chance of transferring pathogens to your skin or mucous membranes as you handle the rest of the gear. The gloves are the outermost barrier that actually contacts the patient and contaminated surfaces, so peeling them off first contains the contamination right away. This makes it safer to proceed with removing the other PPE and allows you to perform hand hygiene promptly, further reducing the risk of self-contamination. After gloves come off, you would typically remove eye protection, gown, and then the mask/respirator, with attention to not touching the contaminated exterior surfaces and with hand hygiene performed as needed between steps.

Removing the most contaminated item first minimizes the chance of transferring pathogens to your skin or mucous membranes as you handle the rest of the gear. The gloves are the outermost barrier that actually contacts the patient and contaminated surfaces, so peeling them off first contains the contamination right away. This makes it safer to proceed with removing the other PPE and allows you to perform hand hygiene promptly, further reducing the risk of self-contamination. After gloves come off, you would typically remove eye protection, gown, and then the mask/respirator, with attention to not touching the contaminated exterior surfaces and with hand hygiene performed as needed between steps.