Isolation Precautions and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Isolation Precautions and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Introduction
Isolation precautions are infection control measures used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in healthcare settings. These precautions are essential for protecting patients, healthcare workers, and visitors from communicable diseases.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an integral part of isolation precautions, as it acts as a barrier between healthcare personnel and infectious agents. The type of PPE required depends on the level of isolation needed based on the mode of disease transmission.
Types of Isolation Precautions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) classify isolation precautions into two main categories:
Standard Precautions – Applied to all patients.
Transmission-Based Precautions – Used for patients with known or suspected infectious diseases.
1. Standard Precautions (Universal Precautions)
Definition: Standard precautions are basic infection control practices used in all patient care situations, regardless of infection status.
Components of Standard Precautions
Hand Hygiene
Hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs before and after patient contact.
Use soap and water for visibly soiled hands or Clostridium difficile infections.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gloves, masks, gowns, eye protection based on exposure risk.
Change gloves between procedures on different body sites.
Respiratory Hygiene & Cough Etiquette
Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing/sneezing.
Provide masks to patients with respiratory symptoms.
Safe Handling of Sharps & Needles
Dispose of sharps immediately in puncture-proof containers.
Avoid recapping used needles.
Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection
Regular disinfection of patient rooms, beds, and medical equipment.
Use 1% sodium hypochlorite or hospital-grade disinfectants.
Safe Waste Disposal
Segregate biomedical waste according to color-coded guidelines.
Proper disposal of contaminated dressings, PPE, and body fluids.
Safe Handling of Patient Care Equipment
Sterilization of reusable instruments (e.g., endoscopes, surgical tools).
Dedicated equipment for patients in isolation (e.g., thermometers, BP cuffs).
Patient Placement
Cohorting patients with similar infections to prevent cross-contamination.
Isolate patients at high risk of transmitting infections.
2. Transmission-Based Precautions
Definition: Transmission-based precautions are additional infection control measures used for specific infectious diseases. They are categorized into:
Contact Precautions
Droplet Precautions
Airborne Precautions
A. Contact Precautions
Used for infections transmitted via direct or indirect contact with infected patients or contaminated surfaces. Examples:
N95 or higher-level respirator mask required before entering the patient’s room.
Negative-pressure isolation room required with at least 6-12 air exchanges per hour.
Limited patient movement – If transportation is necessary, the patient must wear a surgical mask.
Use of airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) whenever possible.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
1. Types of PPE and Their Uses
Type of PPE
Purpose
Example of Use
Gloves
Prevents direct contact with blood, body fluids, and contaminated surfaces
Wound dressing, catheter insertion
Gowns
Protects clothing and skin from contamination
Surgery, handling infectious patients
Surgical Mask
Prevents droplet transmission
Influenza, COVID-19, meningitis
N95 Respirator
Filters airborne particles
Tuberculosis, measles, varicella
Face Shield / Goggles
Protects eyes from splashes
Suctioning, intubation, dental procedures
Shoe Covers
Prevents contamination of footwear
Operating rooms, isolation units
2. Sequence of PPE Donning (Putting On)
Hand Hygiene
Gown
Mask/N95 Respirator
Goggles/Face Shield
Gloves (covering the gown’s cuffs)
3. Sequence of PPE Doffing (Removing)
Gloves (Inside out, discard safely)
Goggles/Face Shield
Gown (Roll inside-out)
Mask/N95 Respirator
Hand Hygiene
Environmental Infection Control
1. Cleaning and Disinfection
Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, patient beds, ventilators).
Use of hospital-grade disinfectants (e.g., 1% sodium hypochlorite).
2. Safe Waste Disposal
Biomedical waste should be disposed of according to color-coded segregation guidelines.
Sharps must be placed in puncture-proof containers.
3. Ventilation and Air Quality
Proper air circulation in isolation rooms.
HEPA filters in airborne isolation rooms.
Types of Isolation Systems in Healthcare Settings
Introduction
Isolation systems in healthcare facilities are infection control measures designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. The type of isolation system used depends on the mode of transmission of the infection.
There are five major types of isolation systems, classified based on their purpose and level of precautions required. These include:
Strict Isolation
Contact Isolation
Droplet Isolation
Airborne Isolation
Protective Isolation (Reverse Isolation)
Each system involves specific protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and room requirements to effectively contain and control infections.
1. Strict Isolation
Definition:
Strict isolation is used for highly contagious and dangerous infections that can be transmitted through multiple routes (airborne, droplet, direct contact).
Diseases Requiring Strict Isolation:
Ebola Virus Disease
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
COVID-19 (severe cases)
Plague (Pneumonic Form)
Smallpox
Isolation Measures:
Patient Placement:
Negative pressure room with dedicated airflow system.
Limited patient movement outside the room; if necessary, the patient must wear a surgical mask.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Gloves
Gown
N95 or higher respirator
Face shield or goggles
Boot covers (for highly contagious infections)
Strict Hand Hygiene:
Hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs before and after patient contact.
Environmental Cleaning & Waste Disposal:
All medical equipment should be dedicated to the isolated patient.
Proper disposal of infected materials in biohazard waste containers.
2. Contact Isolation
Definition:
Contact isolation is used for infections transmitted by direct or indirect contact with infected body fluids, wounds, or contaminated surfaces.
Private room or cohorting with similar infected patients.
Dedicated medical equipment for the patient (e.g., stethoscope, BP cuff).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Gloves (must be changed before and after patient contact).
Gown (required for patient care).
Face mask if there is a risk of fluid exposure.
Hand Hygiene:
Soap and water are required for C. difficile infections as alcohol-based sanitizers do not kill spores.
Environmental Cleaning:
Daily disinfection of surfaces, bed rails, door handles, and medical equipment.
Waste Management:
Proper disposal of contaminated dressings, linens, and PPE in designated biohazard bins.
3. Droplet Isolation
Definition:
Droplet isolation is required for infections spread through respiratory droplets (≥5 microns) expelled when coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Diseases Requiring Droplet Isolation:
Influenza (Flu)
COVID-19 (mild/moderate cases)
Mumps
Rubella
Diphtheria
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Meningococcal Meningitis
Isolation Measures:
Patient Placement:
Private room or cohorting with similar infected patients.
Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from other patients.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Surgical mask required before entering the room.
Gloves and gown may be needed if body fluids are involved.
Face shield or goggles if splash risk exists.
Patient Movement:
Patient must wear a surgical mask when leaving the isolation room.
Environmental Cleaning:
Frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces (e.g., bed rails, bedside tables).
4. Airborne Isolation
Definition:
Airborne isolation is used for infections spread via small airborne particles (<5 microns) that remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances.
Monkeypox (severe cases with extensive skin involvement)
Isolation Measures:
Patient Placement:
Negative pressure room (Airborne Infection Isolation Room – AIIR) with at least 6-12 air exchanges per hour.
Keep doors closed at all times.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
N95 respirator or higher (e.g., PAPR – Powered Air-Purifying Respirator).
Gloves and gown (if patient contact is required).
Face shield or goggles for eye protection.
Patient Movement:
Limited movement outside the room.
Patient must wear a surgical mask if transport is necessary.
Air Control Measures:
Use of High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.
Strict Hand Hygiene:
Hand washing before and after patient contact.
5. Protective Isolation (Reverse Isolation)
Definition:
Protective isolation (also called reverse isolation) is used to protect immunocompromised patients from infections brought in by healthcare workers, visitors, or the environment.
Patients Requiring Protective Isolation:
Bone marrow transplant patients
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Severe burns patients
Patients with AIDS (low CD4 count)
Organ transplant recipients
Isolation Measures:
Patient Placement:
Private room with positive pressure ventilation (keeps airborne pathogens out).
HEPA filtration to reduce airborne pathogens.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Gloves, gown, and surgical mask required.
Strict hand hygiene before entering the room.
Environmental Control:
No fresh flowers, plants, or raw food in the room to prevent fungal infections.
Regular disinfection of surfaces and medical equipment.
Visitor Restrictions:
Limit visitors and screen them for infections.
Strict Infection Prevention Measures:
Avoid unnecessary invasive procedures (e.g., IV lines, urinary catheters) to reduce infection risk.
Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions (Direct Contact, Droplet, Indirect Contact)
Introduction
Infection prevention in healthcare settings relies on two main levels of precautions:
Standard Precautions – Applied to all patients regardless of infection status.
Transmission-Based Precautions – Used for patients with known or suspected infections that require additional infection control measures.
Standard precautions serve as the first line of defense, while transmission-based precautions provide additional protection against specific modes of transmission, including direct contact, indirect contact, and droplet transmission.
1. Standard Precautions
Definition:
Standard precautions are basic infection control measures applied to every patient, at all times, regardless of whether they have an infection. These precautions are designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents from patients to healthcare workers, other patients, and visitors.
Key Components of Standard Precautions
Hand Hygiene
Use alcohol-based hand rub if hands are not visibly soiled.
Wash with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty or after exposure to blood, body fluids, or known infections (e.g., Clostridium difficile, norovirus).
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gloves for contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces.
Gowns to protect clothing from splashes.
Masks, eye protection, or face shields to prevent exposure to respiratory secretions and bodily fluids.
Respiratory Hygiene and Cough Etiquette
Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing/sneezing.
Provide surgical masks to patients with respiratory symptoms.
Ensure at least 1-meter (3 feet) distance between symptomatic patients.
Safe Handling of Sharps and Needles
Do not recap needles after use.
Dispose of needles immediately in puncture-resistant sharps containers.
Proper Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
Use hospital-grade disinfectants (e.g., 1% sodium hypochlorite) to clean patient areas and frequently touched surfaces.
Safe Handling of Linen and Waste Disposal
Contaminated linens should be handled with gloves and placed in designated laundry bins.
Segregate biomedical waste using color-coded waste disposal guidelines.
Patient Placement
If a patient is suspected of having a highly infectious disease, consider isolation precautions to prevent transmission.
2. Transmission-Based Precautions
Definition:
Transmission-based precautions are additional infection control measures used when patients have known or suspected infectious diseases that require special isolation procedures. These precautions are categorized based on how the infection spreads:
Contact Precautions (Direct and Indirect)
Droplet Precautions
Airborne Precautions (Not covered in this section)
A. Contact Precautions
Contact precautions are used for infections spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected person, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects.
1. Direct Contact Transmission
Definition:
Occurs when an infected person’s body fluids, lesions, or secretions come into direct contact with another person (e.g., touching an infected wound or patient’s skin).
Wear gloves before touching the patient or any surfaces.
Wear gowns when in contact with infected patients.
Isolate the patient in a private room or cohort patients with similar infections.
Use dedicated medical equipment (e.g., blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes).
Environmental cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants.
2. Indirect Contact Transmission
Definition:
Occurs when a person touches a contaminated object or surface that has been exposed to infectious material.
Diseases Spread by Indirect Contact:
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)
Norovirus
Rotavirus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs)
Contaminated surgical instruments or medical devices
Precautionary Measures:
Frequent hand hygiene – Soap and water are required for C. difficile infections.
Use gloves and gowns when handling contaminated objects or patient materials.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (bed rails, doorknobs, IV poles).
Proper handling and disposal of soiled linen and waste.
Use of single-use or dedicated patient-care equipment.
B. Droplet Precautions
Droplet precautions are used for infections spread through respiratory droplets (≥5 microns) that are expelled when coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Definition:
Respiratory droplets are large infectious particles that travel short distances (1-2 meters or 3-6 feet) before settling on surfaces.
Diseases Spread by Droplets:
Influenza (Flu)
COVID-19 (Moderate Cases)
Mumps
Rubella (German Measles)
Diphtheria
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Meningococcal Meningitis
Precautionary Measures:
Hand hygiene before and after patient contact.
Wear a surgical mask before entering the patient’s room.
Gloves and gowns may be required if contact with respiratory secretions is expected.
Private room or cohorting with similar patients.
Keep a minimum distance of 1 meter (3 feet) between the patient and others.
Limit patient movement outside the room – If necessary, the patient must wear a surgical mask.
Key Differences Between Contact, Indirect, and Droplet Precautions
Type of Precaution
Mode of Transmission
Examples of Diseases
Protective Measures
Direct Contact
Skin-to-skin contact with infected person
MRSA, Scabies, Herpes
Gloves, gowns, private room, hand hygiene
Indirect Contact
Touching contaminated surfaces or objects
C. difficile, Norovirus, RSV
Gloves, gowns, environmental cleaning
Droplet
Large respiratory droplets (≥5 microns) from coughing, sneezing, talking
Influenza, COVID-19, Mumps, Diphtheria
Surgical mask, hand hygiene, private room
Epidemiology and Infection Prevention – CDC Guidelines
Introduction
Epidemiology is the scientific study of disease patterns, causes, and effects in populations. It plays a crucial role in identifying, preventing, and controlling infections in healthcare and community settings. Infection prevention involves implementing evidence-based practices to reduce the spread of infections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides comprehensive guidelines to prevent and control infections in healthcare settings. These guidelines are essential for healthcare professionals, infection control teams, and public health authorities in reducing the incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and emerging infectious diseases.
Epidemiology of Infections
Definition of Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of:
How infections spread within a population.
Risk factors that contribute to the transmission of infections.
Measures to prevent and control outbreaks in healthcare and community settings.
Modes of Infection Transmission
Direct Contact Transmission – Spread through physical contact (e.g., touching infected wounds, patient-to-patient transmission).
Indirect Contact Transmission – Spread through contaminated surfaces, medical devices, or hands.
Droplet Transmission – Large respiratory droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Airborne Transmission – Small infectious particles remain suspended in the air and travel over distances.
Vector-Borne Transmission – Infections transmitted by insects or animals (e.g., malaria, dengue).
Fecal-Oral Transmission – Spread through contaminated food, water, or hands.
Epidemiological Measures in Infection Control
Surveillance and Monitoring – Regular tracking of infection rates and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Outbreak Investigation – Identifying infection sources and implementing control measures.
Infection Control Policies – Establishing strict hygiene protocols in healthcare settings.
Antimicrobial Stewardship – Regulating the use of antibiotics to prevent drug resistance.
CDC Guidelines for Infection Prevention
The CDC’s infection prevention guidelines are designed to minimize the risk of infections in healthcare facilities, public health settings, and the community. These guidelines focus on hand hygiene, standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, environmental cleaning, and antimicrobial resistance control.
1. Standard Precautions (Universal Precautions)
Standard precautions are basic infection control measures that must be applied to all patients, regardless of infection status. These include:
Hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rubs or soap and water.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection.
Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette to prevent droplet transmission.
Safe handling and disposal of sharps and needles to prevent needlestick injuries.
Proper disinfection of patient-care equipment and environmental surfaces.
Waste management and safe disposal of contaminated materials.
2. Transmission-Based Precautions
In addition to standard precautions, transmission-based precautions are required for patients with specific infections.
Contact Precautions
Used for infections transmitted by direct or indirect contact (e.g., MRSA, C. difficile, norovirus).
Gloves and gowns must be worn before entering the patient’s room.
Hand hygiene is essential, especially for spore-forming bacteria like C. difficile.
Patients should be placed in private rooms or cohorted with similar infections.
Dedicated patient-care equipment should be used.
Droplet Precautions
Used for respiratory infections spread through large droplets (e.g., influenza, COVID-19, meningitis, pertussis).
Surgical masks should be worn by healthcare workers and visitors.
Private rooms or cohorting of similar cases is required.
Patients must wear a mask when leaving the room.
Limit unnecessary patient movement outside the room.
Airborne Precautions
Used for highly contagious infections spread by airborne particles (e.g., tuberculosis, measles, varicella).
N95 respirators or higher-level protection must be used.
Strict ventilation and air filtration measures must be maintained.
Limit patient movement and ensure they wear a surgical mask if transport is necessary.
3. Hand Hygiene Guidelines
The CDC’s hand hygiene guidelines emphasize the importance of proper handwashing in preventing infections.
Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) should be used for routine hand hygiene unless hands are visibly soiled.
Soap and water should be used:
When hands are visibly dirty.
After contact with bodily fluids.
After caring for patients with C. difficile or norovirus.
Before and after handling invasive devices.
Hand Hygiene Techniques
Use alcohol-based hand rub (minimum 60% alcohol) and rub hands for at least 20 seconds.
Use soap and water, rubbing all surfaces of the hands for at least 40-60 seconds.
Dry hands with disposable paper towels or air dryers.
Avoid touching contaminated surfaces after hand hygiene.
4. Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
Proper environmental cleaning is necessary to prevent the transmission of infections in healthcare settings.
CDC Guidelines for Environmental Disinfection
Regular Cleaning of High-Touch Surfaces – Disinfect patient beds, bed rails, doorknobs, light switches, and medical equipment.
Use of Hospital-Grade Disinfectants – Effective disinfectants include 1% sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds, and hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners.
Terminal Cleaning After Patient Discharge – Deep cleaning of patient rooms, especially isolation rooms, after patient transfer or discharge.
Proper Handling of Contaminated Laundry and Linens – Use hot water washing and separate infected materials.
Adequate Ventilation in Patient Rooms – Ensuring proper air exchanges per hour (ACH) for infection control.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines
PPE is a barrier method to prevent exposure to infectious agents. The CDC recommends:
Gloves when touching blood, body fluids, secretions, contaminated items.
Gowns to protect clothing and skin from contamination.
Face masks or respirators (N95) for respiratory protection.
Face shields or goggles when splash risk exists.
Sequence for Donning (Putting On) PPE
Perform hand hygiene.
Put on gown.
Wear face mask or respirator.
Put on goggles or face shield.
Wear gloves (covering the gown cuffs).
Sequence for Doffing (Removing) PPE
Remove gloves (inside out).
Take off goggles or face shield.
Remove gown (rolling it inside out).
Take off mask or respirator.
Perform hand hygiene.
6. Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Stewardship
The CDC’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) aims to combat antibiotic resistance by:
Promoting rational antibiotic use.
Ensuring culture-based prescribing rather than empirical overuse.
Monitoring antibiotic resistance patterns in hospitals.
Educating healthcare providers on appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Developing hospital antibiograms to guide empirical antibiotic selection.
The judicious use of antibiotics is critical in preventing the emergence of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) such as:
Effective Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Introduction
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a critical barrier in infection prevention, protecting healthcare workers, patients, and visitors from exposure to infectious diseases. Proper selection, use, and disposal of PPE ensure maximum protection against bloodborne pathogens, airborne infections, and direct or indirect contact with infectious materials.
Effective use of PPE follows CDC and WHO guidelines, which emphasize correct donning (putting on), doffing (removing), disposal, and storage to prevent self-contamination and cross-infection.
Principles of Effective PPE Use
Appropriate Selection of PPE – Choose the right type of PPE based on infection risk, mode of transmission, and exposure level.
Correct Donning and Doffing – PPE should be put on (donned) in the correct sequence and removed (doffed) carefully to prevent contamination.
Consistent Use – PPE should be used at all times in high-risk areas (e.g., ICUs, isolation rooms).
Hand Hygiene Before and After PPE Use – Prevents the spread of infections.
Proper Disposal – Contaminated PPE should be disposed of safely in designated waste bins.
Types of PPE and Their Effective Use
1. Gloves
Purpose:
Protect hands from blood, body fluids, secretions, contaminated surfaces, and chemicals.
Prevent cross-contamination between patients.
Proper Use:
Wash hands before putting on gloves.
Wear gloves when touching patients, surfaces, or body fluids.
Change gloves between procedures on the same patient to prevent cross-contamination.
Remove gloves properly by peeling from the wrist and avoiding skin contact.
Dispose of used gloves immediately in a biohazard bin.
Wash hands after removing gloves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Reusing disposable gloves.
Touching the face or adjusting PPE while wearing gloves.
Not changing gloves between patient interactions.
2. Gowns
Purpose:
Protect skin and clothing from contaminated fluids, splashes, and infectious materials.
Proper Use:
Select the right type of gown (fluid-resistant or full-coverage, depending on risk level).
Put on the gown first, ensuring it covers the entire body.
Tie securely at the back of the neck and waist.
Remove the gown carefully by pulling it forward and rolling it inside-out.
Dispose of immediately in infectious waste containers.
Perform hand hygiene after gown removal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Not wearing gowns when indicated.
Touching the outer surface when removing.
Using the same gown for multiple patients.
3. Face Masks and Respirators
Purpose:
Surgical Masks – Protect against large respiratory droplets (e.g., influenza, COVID-19, TB).
N95 Respirators – Filter small airborne particles and protect against airborne diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, measles, SARS, COVID-19).
Proper Use:
Perform hand hygiene before wearing a mask.
Ensure the mask covers both nose and mouth properly.
Do not touch the mask once worn.
For N95 respirators, conduct a seal check by inhaling and exhaling to ensure a tight fit.
Remove masks using the ear loops or straps (do not touch the front part).
Dispose of immediately in a designated bin.
Perform hand hygiene after removal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Wearing masks below the nose or hanging on the chin.
Touching the front of the mask during or after use.
Reusing disposable surgical masks.
Not doing a fit check for N95 respirators.
4. Face Shields and Goggles
Purpose:
Protect eyes, nose, and mouth from droplet infections, splashes, and sprays.
Proper Use:
Position the face shield or goggles properly so they cover the eyes completely.
Ensure a snug fit to prevent gaps.
Remove by handling only the straps.
Clean and disinfect reusable goggles/shields after use.
Perform hand hygiene after removing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Not wearing eye protection in high-risk procedures (e.g., intubation, suctioning).
Touching the shield or goggles with contaminated gloves.
Improper cleaning of reusable face shields/goggles.
5. Shoe Covers and Head Covers
Purpose:
Prevent contamination of footwear and hair in high-risk areas (e.g., operating rooms, isolation units).
Proper Use:
Wear before entering restricted areas.
Ensure full coverage of shoes/hair.
Remove carefully by rolling inside-out.
Dispose of immediately in the biohazard bin.
Perform hand hygiene after removal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Walking outside sterile areas with contaminated shoe covers.
Reusing disposable shoe covers and head covers.
Proper Sequence for Donning (Putting On) PPE
Hand Hygiene – Wash hands or use alcohol-based hand rub.
Put on Gown – Secure at the neck and waist.
Wear Face Mask or N95 Respirator – Ensure proper fit.
Wear Goggles or Face Shield – Protect eyes from splashes.
Put on Gloves – Ensure gloves cover gown cuffs.
Proper Sequence for Doffing (Removing) PPE
Remove Gloves – Peel inside-out and discard safely.
Remove Goggles or Face Shield – Avoid touching the front surface.
Remove Gown – Untie and roll inside-out for disposal.
Remove Mask or Respirator – Use the straps, avoid touching the front.
Hand Hygiene – Wash hands thoroughly.
Storage and Maintenance of PPE
Store PPE in a clean, dry area away from contamination.
Reusable PPE (e.g., goggles, face shields) must be cleaned and disinfected after each use.
Monitor PPE supply levels to ensure availability in emergency situations.
Train healthcare workers regularly on proper PPE use.
Challenges in PPE Use and Solutions
Shortage of PPE – Implement rational use and reuse strategies for reusable PPE.
Discomfort and Heat Stress – Use breathable PPE materials and take short breaks in safe areas.
Non-Compliance Among Healthcare Workers – Conduct regular training and audits to reinforce correct practices.
Improper Disposal of PPE – Ensure proper waste management and designated disposal bins.