Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XIV · Infection Control · 03

Personal protective equipment

Gloves, masks, eyewear and gowns stand between you and spatter. Change gloves between patients and never wash them for reuse, change masks between patients or when wet, and wear eyewear with solid side shields while giving the patient a pair too. Use utility gloves for cleanup and a fit-tested N95 for airborne diseases such as TB.

High-yield facts · 7

  1. Change gloves between patients and if torn; never wash and reuse exam gloves.S7
  2. Change masks between patients or when wet; surgical masks should be at least ASTM level appropriate to the aerosol.S7
  3. Use protective eyewear with solid side shields or a face shield; give patients eyewear too.S7
  4. Remove gowns before leaving the work area; change them when visibly soiled.S7
  5. Use heavy-duty utility gloves for cleaning instruments and surfaces.S7
  6. N95 (or better) respirators are used for airborne diseases such as TB; fit testing is required.S7S66
  7. A common removal (doffing) order is gloves, goggles or face shield, gown, then mask, followed by hand hygiene.S8

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.