Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Background

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes items like gowns, gloves, eye protection, and masks that keep healthcare workers safe from infections at work. PPE creates barriers to keep germs away from hands, skin, clothing, eyes, nose, and mouth. Wearing PPE correctly is essential for preventing and controlling infections in healthcare settings.

Face mask, eye protection (goggles or face shield): Worn if contact with blood or body fluids may occur, especially during suctioning and intubation.
Gloves: Worn if contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated items in the patient/resident’s environment may occur.
Gown: Worn if contact with blood or body fluids may occur.

 

 

 

Educational Resources

VDH Infection Prevention and Control Assessments: The HAI/AR team is available to conduct a no-cost, non-regulatory, onsite visit to help a facility identify its infection prevention strengths and areas of opportunity.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Group

VCU Virginia Infection Prevention Training Center

 

 

 

Setting-Specific Resources

Personal protective equipment resources specific to long-term care settings:

View Long-Term Care Homepage

Last Updated: September 20, 2024