Which is the correct order to remove PPE?

Which is the correct order to remove PPE?

• A. Remove gloves; Remove masks; Remove gown; Remove goggles; Wash hands.
• B. Remove and discard gloves; Remove goggles or face shield; Remove and discard the gown; Remove and discard the mask; Wash your hands.
• C. Remove gown; Remove gloves; Remove mask; Remove goggles; Wash hands.
• D. Wash hands; Remove gloves; Remove goggles; Remove gown; Remove mask.

Answer: (B)

Doffing PPE in the right order minimizes self-contamination by preventing you from touching contaminated surfaces as you remove gear. The safest sequence is to remove gloves first, then goggles or face shield, then the gown, then the mask, and finally wash your hands. Removing the gloves first is key because they’re most likely contaminated, and taking them off at the start helps prevent transferring germs to other PPE as you handle it. After that, take off eye protection by the straps without touching the front, reducing the chance of touching contaminated surfaces. Next, remove the gown by untying or breaking ties and pulling away from the body, ideally turning it inside out to contain contaminants. Then remove the mask by handling only the ties or ear loops, avoiding contact with the front of the mask. Finally, wash hands thoroughly to remove any remaining pathogens. Other sequences risk contaminating yourself earlier in the process—for example, removing the mask or gown before gloves can transfer contaminants to clean areas, or washing hands too soon and then handling additional PPE.

Doffing PPE in the right order minimizes self-contamination by preventing you from touching contaminated surfaces as you remove gear. The safest sequence is to remove gloves first, then goggles or face shield, then the gown, then the mask, and finally wash your hands. Removing the gloves first is key because they’re most likely contaminated, and taking them off at the start helps prevent transferring germs to other PPE as you handle it. After that, take off eye protection by the straps without touching the front, reducing the chance of touching contaminated surfaces. Next, remove the gown by untying or breaking ties and pulling away from the body, ideally turning it inside out to contain contaminants. Then remove the mask by handling only the ties or ear loops, avoiding contact with the front of the mask. Finally, wash hands thoroughly to remove any remaining pathogens.

Other sequences risk contaminating yourself earlier in the process—for example, removing the mask or gown before gloves can transfer contaminants to clean areas, or washing hands too soon and then handling additional PPE.