PPE Usage

PPE as a Cornerstone of Infection Control

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a cornerstone of infection control in healthcare settings. For medical assistants, proper PPE usage reduces the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, airborne illnesses, and other infectious materials, protecting both the patient and the clinician.[1] Exam questions frequently test the correct order of donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) PPE, as well as when each type of PPE must be worn.

Categorizing Infection Control Strategies and PPE Types

Standard vs. Transmission-Based Precautions

  • Standard precautions – apply to all patients regardless of diagnosis; include hand hygiene, gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection when exposure to blood, body fluids, or mucous membranes is anticipated.[2]
  • Transmission-based precautions – used for patients with known or suspected infections that require additional barriers (contact, droplet, airborne).[2]

Types of PPE

  • Gloves – protect hands; must be changed between patients and tasks on the same patient if moving from a contaminated to a clean site.[3]
  • Gowns – protect skin and clothing; should be fluid-resistant if splash risk exists.
  • Masks and respirators – surgical masks protect against droplets; N95 or higher protect against airborne pathogens (e.g., tuberculosis, measles).[4]
  • Eye protection – face shields or goggles prevent splash into eyes.
  • Head and shoe covers – used in specific settings (e.g., operating room, isolation units).

Sequential Protocol for Donning and Doffing PPE

Donning (Putting On) PPE – Sequence

  1. Hand hygiene – wash with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR).[2]
  2. Gown – put on first; tie at neck and waist.
  3. Mask or respirator – secure ties or elastic bands; fit-check before proceeding.
  4. Eye protection – place over mask or respirator; adjust for comfort and seal.
  5. Gloves – pull over gown cuffs (if gown used).

Doffing (Removing) PPE – Sequence

  1. Gloves – remove first (remember: "glove-to-glove, skin-to-skin" technique).[3]
  2. Gown – untie at neck, then waist; pull away from body, turning inside out.
  3. Eye protection – handle only by the side pieces or strap; discard.
  4. Mask or respirator – remove by the ties/elastic; do not touch the front.
  5. Hand hygiene – immediately after all PPE removed.[2]

Key Doffing Reminders

  • The front of any PPE is considered contaminated; handle only the clean edges/straps.
  • Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing any single item if it becomes soiled during removal.

Avoiding Self-Contamination Through Proper PPE Practices

  • Never reuse single-use PPE – gloves, masks, and eye shields are disposable.[3]
  • Change gloves if they become torn, visibly soiled, or between tasks on the same patient (e.g., after touching a contaminated site, then before handling a clean dressing).
  • N95 respirator user seal check – must be performed before entering the patient room; exhale and inhale to check for air leaks.[4]
  • If PPE is removed incorrectly, the risk of self-contamination increases significantly – this is a common exam point.

Memory Aids and Common Pitfalls in PPE Usage

  • Memorize the donning sequence: Gown → Mask → Eye protection → Gloves (GMEG). Mnemonic: "Gown, Mask, Eyes, Gloves."
  • Memorize the doffing sequence: Gloves → Gown → Eye protection → Mask (GGEM). Think: "Gloves off first, then Gown, then Eyes, then Mask – hand hygiene last."
  • Common wrong answer: Removing the mask before eye protection – always remove eye protection after gown and before mask (because mask is considered more contaminated on the front).
  • On exams, if a patient has airborne precautions, the medical assistant must wear an N95 or higher respirator (not a surgical mask).[2]
  • Gloves do not replace hand hygiene – hand hygiene must be performed before donning and after doffing.
  • PPE must be available at the point of care – exam questions often test that PPE should be placed at the entrance of an isolation room.[3]

References & Sources

  1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Personal Protective Equipment. United States Department of Labor. Accessed 2025. https://www.osha.gov/ppe
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Standard Precautions for All Patient Care. Updated 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/standard-precautions.html
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sequence for Putting On and Removing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/hai/prevent/ppe.html
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Use of N95 Respirators in a Healthcare Setting. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/healthcare/ppe.html

Ready to test your knowledge?

Master the core responsibilities, scope of practice, and limitations for the Medical Assistant exam.

Start Practice Questions
Previous Topic Next Topic