Personal Protective Equipment

What are non-sterile/exam gloves used for?

Routine patient care

• ambidextrous

What are sterile gloves used for?

Surgical procedures

• Individually packaged, pre-sterilized

• Maintain asepsis

• Hand specific

What is the main advantage and risk of latex gloves?

Excellent fit/sensitivity but risk of allergic reactions

What gloves are used if latex allergy is present?

Non-latex gloves

• nitrile or vinyl

What are over gloves and when are they used?

Thin, clear plastic gloves

• Worn over exam gloves when touching non-contaminated items

What are utility gloves used for?

Cleaning, disinfection, handling contaminated instruments

• reusable

What are heat-resistant gloves used for?

Handling hot instruments or sterilizers

What are 3 harmful reactions to gloves?

• Irritant contact dermatitis (dry, itchy)

• Allergic contact dermatitis (Type IV, rash, blisters)

• Latex allergy (Type I, immediate, serious)

What do masks protect against and when must they be changed?

Protect nose/mouth from spatter, droplets, sprays

• change between patients or if wet

What is mask filtration efficiency and what is the minimum for dental masks?

Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE)

• Must be >95%

What are ASTM mask levels 1-3?

• L1 = low fluid resistance, 95% BFE

• L2 = moderate, 98% BFE

• L3 = high, 98% BFE

What do respirator masks protect against and what do they require?

Protect against airborne particles

• Must be NIOSH-approved and fit-tested

What does protective eyewear prevent?

Injury from spatter, debris, and chemicals

When must side shields be worn?

With prescription glasses for protection

What is a face shield and what must it be worn with?

Covers entire face

• Must be worn with a mask

What are examples of protective clothing and how should they be maintained?

Gowns, jackets, lab coats

• Disposable or reusable and laundered by service

When must protective clothing be changed?

If visibily soiled or at end of day

What is the correct donning order?

Gown → Mask/respirator → Face shield → Gloves

What is the correct doffing order?

Gloves → Gown → Face shield → Mask