How should doffing of PPE be performed after HD handling?

• A. Remove PPE in a sequence that minimizes contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g., gloves, gown, eye/face protection, mask); wash hands after doffing.
• B. Remove PPE in random order.
• C. Dispose of PPE without removing; reuse.
• D. Wash hands before removing PPE.

Answer: (A)

Doffing should proceed in a sequence that minimizes contact with contaminated surfaces and ends with hand hygiene. Begin with removing gloves, since they are most likely contaminated and removing them first reduces the chance of transferring contamination to the gown or skin. Then remove the gown to prevent contaminants from reaching clothing or skin. Next take off eye/face protection and mask to avoid touching mucous membranes with contaminated hands. Finally perform hand hygiene after doffing to remove any residual contamination. This approach reduces the risk of self-contamination and is preferred over random removal, reusing PPE, or washing hands before removing PPE.