PPE and Transmission Basics

Personal protective equipment is chosen for the exposure a task may create, not simply for the patient’s diagnosis. Before beginning care, ask what may contact your hands, clothing, eyes, nose, or mouth, and whether the procedure could generate inhalable particles. Hand hygiene is the foundation because pathogens can be transferred even when no visible soil is present. Gloves reduce hand contamination but do not replace hand hygiene; hands can become contaminated while gloves are removed, and gloves can have microscopic defects or become contaminated during care. Each barrier has a different job: - Gloves protect the hands when contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions other than sweat, non-intact skin, mucous membranes, or contaminated equipment is anticipated. - A gown protects clothing and skin when splashing or contact with body fluids is likely. - A mask and eye protection protect mucous membranes from respiratory secretions and blood or body-fluid splashes and sprays. - A fit-tested N95 respirator or higher level of respiratory protection protects against inhalation of airborne particles during an aerosol-generating procedure or when an airborne infection is suspected...