When handling contaminated linens, which PPE is required?

• A. Wear gloves.
• B. No PPE is needed if the linens are not visibly soiled.
• C. Wear a full sterile suit.
• D. Wear safety goggles only.

Answer: (A)

Protecting your hands from potential contamination is the key idea. Gloves create a barrier between your skin and any pathogens that may be on contaminated linens, reducing the risk of transmission. Even if the linens don’t look dirty, standard precautions require gloves to prevent contact with blood, bodily fluids, or other contaminants, and you should perform hand hygiene after removing them. A full sterile suit is unnecessary for routine linen handling, and goggles alone won’t protect the hands.