A healthcare professional must be in direct contact with patients to diagnose, perform surgeries, and administer medicine. Therefore, they must use PPE (personal protective equipment) to deliver excellent care to their patients. Here are the four different types of PPE used in healthcare settings.
Gloves
Gloves provide a protective layer, often made of latex or vinyl, that prevents the hands from coming into contact with bacteria and other substances.
Doctors are also required to use gloves to protect themselves and their patients from transmitting any germs between them.
Although gloves protect one’s hands, they do not replace safe hygiene in the workplace. Medical professionals must always wash their hands properly before and after examinations.
Aprons
Medical staff use aprons to protect their uniform from encountering body fluids, moisture, and other bacteria associated with procedures.
Aprons and gowns should be routinely swapped out after each patient visit to avoid cross-contamination.
In most medical facilities, aprons are color-coded to help the staff differentiate which apron should be worn during which service.
Masks
Although wearing a mask is now mandatory for all citizens, the requirement to wear a mask as a professional in the medical industry isn’t new.
In fact, people have been wearing face masks for centuries to avoid plagues and other epidemics—this includes doctors and nurses who were caring for the sick at the time.
Face masks protect the wearer from droplets of bacteria that may jump from one person’s nose or mouth to another. Though fabric masks are now becoming popular throughout cities, professionals must wear single-use medical-grade masks to remain safe in their line of duty.
Eyewear
When one thinks of eye goggles, they may immediately think of scientists. However, wearing protective eyewear as a healthcare professional is critical to remain sanitary during examinations.
It’s important to note that personal glasses are not an acceptable replacement for medical-grade goggles.
In some cases, eye goggles may cover the entire face, but one still must wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times.
Though we’ve listed the four different types of PPE used in healthcare settings, there are many other options you may use for medical personal protective equipment. Your equipment enables you to provide safe and efficient care to your patients.