Which sequence reflects the correct order for removing PPE?

• A. Gloves, Hand Hygiene, Eyewear, Gown, Mask, Hand Hygiene
• B. Gloves, Gown, Hand Hygiene, Eyewear, Mask, Hand Hygiene
• C. Gloves, Eyewear, Hand Hygiene, Gown, Mask, Hand Hygiene
• D. Gloves, Mask, Eyewear, Gown, Hand Hygiene, Hand Hygiene

Answer: (A)

Key idea: remove PPE in a way that prevents contaminating yourself or spreading germs, with hand hygiene interwoven between steps.

The best sequence starts by removing the gloves, since they’re the most contaminated after patient care. Immediately performing hand hygiene after glove removal is essential; it cleans the hands before you touch any other PPE, reducing the chance of transferring germs to the eyes, mucous membranes, or clean gear. Next, remove eye protection while your hands are clean to avoid transferring anything from dirty gloves to your eyes. Then take off the gown to dispose of the contaminated barrier and prevent further exposure. After that, remove the mask to avoid contacting the face with dirty hands. The final hand hygiene ensures any remaining contamination picked up during doffing is washed away.

Other sequences can fail by delaying hand hygiene, touching clean areas with dirty hands, or removing items in an order that increases the chance of self-contamination, which is why this order is preferred.