What is the correct order of donning PPE for a suspected respiratory pathogen in a clinic setting?

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Putting on protective barriers in this order minimizes the chance of contaminating yourself as you move through each step. Start with the gown to cover your clothing and skin, creating a primary barrier. Next, apply the mask or respirator to protect your nose and mouth before anything else can contact that area. Then put on eye protection to shield the mucous membranes of your eyes from splashes. Finally, donning gloves last ensures they cover the gown cuffs, forming a continuous barrier and reducing the risk of transferring contaminants when you handle other PPE or surfaces. Starting with gloves or eye protection, or placing the gown after the mask, increases the chance of contaminating skin or surfaces and makes proper removal more difficult.