What is the correct order to remove PPE?

• A. Mask, gown, gloves, off
• B. Gown, gloves, mask, off
• C. Gloves, mask, gown, off
• D. Gloves, gown, mask, off

Answer: (D)

In safe doffing, you remove PPE from most contaminated to least contaminated to prevent spreading germs. Start with the gloves because they’re most likely to be contaminated from touching the patient and surfaces. Remove them without touching your skin: grab the outside of one glove at the wrist, peel it away turning it inside out, and hold the contaminated glove in the gloved hand. Then remove the gown: untie or unfasten at the neck and waist, pull the gown away from your body, and turn the contaminated exterior away from you as you remove it, disposing of it safely. Next, take off the mask by handling the ties or elastic bands from behind your head or ears, avoiding contact with the front of the mask. After those pieces are off, perform hand hygiene and discard any remaining PPE. If eye protection was worn, remove it after the gown and before the mask, touching only the straps and not the front. This order helps reduce the chance of transferring contaminants to your face or clean areas.