In removing PPE, which item is removed first?

• A. Gloves
• B. Mask
• C. Gown
• D. Eyewear

Answer: (A)

The ability to remove PPE in the right order is about reducing self-contamination during doffing. Gloves are removed first because they’re the most likely to be contaminated—hands are the primary way contaminants are transferred. Taking gloves off first prevents spreading germs to other PPE or to your skin as you take off the remaining gear. Use the standard glove removal method (peel one glove off inside-out, hold it in the gloved hand, then slip a finger under the other glove’s wrist to peel it off over the first) and dispose of them properly. After removing them, perform hand hygiene before touching any other PPE. The rest of the items are taken off with care to avoid contact with contaminated surfaces, then hand hygiene is done again.