What is the correct order for doffing PPE after leaving the room?

What is the correct order for doffing PPE after leaving the room?

• A. Remove gloves, goggles/face shield, gown, mask, then perform hand hygiene.
• B. Remove mask first, then gloves, gown, goggles, and wash hands.
• C. Remove gown, gloves, mask, goggles, then rinse hands.
• D. Remove goggles first, then mask, gloves, gown, and sanitize.

Answer: (A)

Doffing PPE in the right order minimizes self-contamination when you’re leaving a room with contaminated gear. The gloves are removed first because they’re the most likely to be contaminated, so taking them off first prevents transferring pathogens to other PPE and surfaces. Next, take off goggles or a face shield to avoid touching your eyes with contaminated hands. Then remove the gown by peeling it away from your body without touching the contaminated exterior. After that, remove the mask or respirator, handling it only by the ties or straps so you don’t touch the front. Finish with thorough hand hygiene to clean any remaining contamination. If hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water; otherwise use an alcohol-based sanitizer.

Doffing PPE in the right order minimizes self-contamination when you’re leaving a room with contaminated gear. The gloves are removed first because they’re the most likely to be contaminated, so taking them off first prevents transferring pathogens to other PPE and surfaces. Next, take off goggles or a face shield to avoid touching your eyes with contaminated hands. Then remove the gown by peeling it away from your body without touching the contaminated exterior. After that, remove the mask or respirator, handling it only by the ties or straps so you don’t touch the front. Finish with thorough hand hygiene to clean any remaining contamination. If hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water; otherwise use an alcohol-based sanitizer.