What is the proper order for removing PPE to minimize contamination?

• A. Mask, gloves, eye protection, gown
• B. Gloves, eye protection, gown, mask; perform hand hygiene afterwards
• C. Eye protection, gloves, gown, mask
• D. Gown, mask, gloves, eye protection

Answer: (B)

The action is about removing PPE in a sequence that minimizes transferring contaminants to your skin or mucous membranes. Start with the item most likely to be contaminated—gloves—since they directly contact the contaminants. Removing them first reduces the risk of contaminating other PPE or your hands as you touch the rest of your gear.

Next, take off eye protection. Droplets can land on this gear, and removing it before moving on helps prevent any contamination from reaching your eyes. After that, remove the gown. Reaching for and handling the gown after the gloves are off keeps your skin from touching contaminated fabric and prevents spreading contaminants to clothing or skin.

Finally, remove the mask last. The front of a mask is considered contaminated, so delaying its removal helps avoid touching exposed surfaces near your nose and mouth. Once all PPE is off, perform hand hygiene to remove any residual contaminants from your hands.

This order—gloves, eye protection, gown, mask—with hand hygiene afterward, follows the logic of decreasing contamination risk at each step.