What is the proper donning sequence for PPE when entering a room requiring contact precautions?

• A. Put on gown, then gloves, before entering.
• B. Put on gloves, then gown, before entering.
• C. Put on gloves, then gown, before entering, then goggles.
• D. Put on gown and gloves before entering; remove gloves first, then gown; perform hand hygiene after removing PPE.

Answer: (D)

Preventing self-contamination when removing PPE is the key idea. You protect yourself by donning a gown and gloves before entering a room requiring contact precautions. The protection hinges on how you take PPE off: gloves are removed first because they’re most likely contaminated, then the gown, and you perform hand hygiene after everything is off. This sequence minimizes the chance that pathogens on surfaces of the PPE transfer to your hands, skin, or clothes. Hand hygiene at the end ensures any residual contamination is wiped away, keeping you and others safer. Other sequences that skip the hand hygiene step or mix the order increase the risk of self-contamination.