Key Takeaways
- PPE creates barriers between you and infectious materials
- Donning order: Gown, Mask, Goggles, Gloves (last on, first to touch contaminants)
- Doffing order: Gloves, Goggles, Gown, Mask (most contaminated first)
- Perform hand hygiene before donning and after removing PPE
- Never reuse single-use PPE or touch the front of your mask
Last updated: January 2026
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) creates barriers between you and infectious materials. Knowing when and how to use PPE correctly is essential for protecting yourself and your patients.
Types of PPE
| PPE Item | Protects | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gloves | Hands | Contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin |
| Gown | Skin, clothing | Splashing/spraying expected, contact precautions |
| Mask | Nose, mouth | Droplet precautions, within 6 feet of coughing patient |
| N95 Respirator | Airborne particles | TB, measles, chickenpox, COVID aerosol procedures |
| Face shield/Goggles | Eyes | Splashing risk, procedures that generate spray |
| Shoe covers | Feet | Large fluid spills |
| Cap | Hair | Surgical procedures, isolation rooms |
Donning (Putting On) PPE - Order Matters!
Put on PPE in this order before entering patient room:
| Step | PPE | Why This Order |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gown | First to protect clothing |
| 2 | Mask/Respirator | Protect airways before exposure |
| 3 | Face shield/Goggles | Protect eyes |
| 4 | Gloves | Last on, first touched by contaminants |
Donning tips:
- Perform hand hygiene BEFORE donning
- Tie gown securely at neck and waist
- Mold mask at nose bridge
- Ensure goggles seal around eyes
- Gloves extend over gown cuffs
Doffing (Removing) PPE - Critical for Safety!
Remove PPE in this order to avoid self-contamination:
| Step | PPE | Technique | Why This Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gloves | Peel off inside out | Most contaminated - remove first |
| 2 | Goggles/Face shield | Remove from behind | Avoid touching front |
| 3 | Gown | Break ties, pull from shoulders inside out | Don't touch outside |
| 4 | Mask | Remove from behind by straps | Don't touch front |
Hand hygiene after removing each item (especially gloves and after all PPE)!
Glove Use Guidelines
When to wear gloves:
- Contact with blood or body fluids
- Touching mucous membranes
- Touching non-intact skin
- Handling contaminated equipment
- When required by isolation precautions
Glove rules:
- Change gloves between patients
- Change gloves between dirty and clean tasks on same patient
- Hand hygiene before putting on and after removing
- Never wash or reuse gloves
- If torn, remove and replace immediately
Gown Use Guidelines
When to wear gowns:
- Anticipated contact with blood/body fluids
- Contact precautions (MRSA, C. diff, etc.)
- Patient care involving clothing contact
- When splashing/spraying is expected
Gown rules:
- Tie at neck and waist
- Ensure full coverage
- Use only once, then discard
- Remove before leaving patient room
Mask Guidelines
| Mask Type | Protection | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical mask | Droplets >5 microns | Flu, COVID (general care), droplet precautions |
| N95 respirator | Airborne particles <5 microns | TB, measles, chickenpox, aerosol procedures |
N95 requirements:
- Must be fit-tested annually
- Check seal before each use
- Cannot have facial hair that breaks seal
Common PPE Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It's Dangerous |
|---|---|
| Touching front of mask | Contaminates hands |
| Not changing gloves | Spreads germs patient to patient |
| Pulling gown over head | Contaminates face and hair |
| Wearing PPE in hallway | Spreads contamination |
| Reusing single-use items | Increases infection risk |
| Wrong order for doffing | Self-contamination |
PPE for Standard Precautions
Standard precautions apply to ALL patients:
| Situation | PPE Needed |
|---|---|
| Bathing patient | Gloves |
| Emptying bedpan | Gloves |
| Blood draw area (if assisting) | Gloves |
| Potential splashing | Gloves + face protection |
| Wound care | Gloves + gown if large wound |
| Oral care | Gloves |
Test Your Knowledge
What is the CORRECT order for putting on (donning) PPE?
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Test Your Knowledge
Which PPE item should be removed FIRST when doffing?
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B
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D
Test Your Knowledge
When should you perform hand hygiene during PPE use?
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B
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D