Which is the correct order for donning personal protective equipment (PPE)?

The correct order for donning personal protective equipment (PPE) is significant for ensuring that healthcare workers minimize their risk of exposure to infectious agents when caring for patients. The recommended sequence starts with putting on the gown, followed by the mask, then the goggles or face shield, and finally the gloves.

Starting with the gown protects the healthcare worker's clothing and skin from contamination, and it should be done first to create a barrier. Next, wearing a mask provides respiratory protection, which is crucial when there is the potential for airborne or droplet transmission of pathogens. After the mask, goggles or a face shield are donned to protect the eyes from splashes and exposure, which is especially important in environments where blood or other infectious materials may come into contact with the face. Finally, gloves are put on last because they can become contaminated during the donning process, and they provide the final layer of protection for direct contact situations.

This sequence helps to ensure that once the gloves are on, the wearer does not inadvertently touch their face, and the protective gear remains intact throughout patient care, thereby reducing the risk of infection transmission.