Hygiene Atlas

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Taking off PPE (doffing order)

Also called: doffing

Gloves, then eye protection, then gown, then mask, then clean your hands.

In CDC's example sequence, you take off: 1) gloves, 2) goggles or face shield, 3) gown, 4) mask or respirator, and then 5) clean your hands right away. The idea is to remove the dirtiest items first and touch only the clean parts (the inside of the gown, the ties or ear loops of the mask). Clean your hands between steps if they get contaminated.

What you do

  1. Peel the first glove off by the palm, hold it in the other gloved hand, then slide a bare finger under the second glove's cuff and peel it over the first.
  2. Remove eyewear by the earpieces or band, and the mask by the ties or loops, without touching the front.

Safety and care

  1. The front of the mask and eyewear are contaminated; do not touch them.

Related

Sources: CDC. Sequence for Putting On Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) / How to Safely Remove PPE (CS250672-E), CDC. Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings: Basic Expectations for Safe Care (2016)