Category
Infection Control
Typical Use
Protect staff and patients from infectious exposure.
Description
A suite of barrier devices including masks, gowns, gloves, eye protection, and respirators used to reduce transmission of infectious agents between patients and healthcare workers during clinical care, procedures, and outbreaks. PPE selection is based on the anticipated exposure risk, procedure type, and pathogen transmission mode, and proper donning, doffing, and disposal techniques are critical to prevent self contamination. Institutional policies, fit testing for respirators, and training programs ensure appropriate PPE use and supply management during routine care and surge events. PPE is one component of a comprehensive infection prevention strategy that includes hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and engineering controls.