How do you properly don a full set of PPE before entering an isolation room?

To properly don personal protective equipment before entering an isolation room, perform hand hygiene, put on an isolation gown, secure a mask or respirator, position eye protection, and pull medical gloves over the gown cuffs.

Improper equipment sequencing and loose fits leave gaps where infectious droplets, bodily fluids, or airborne pathogens can reach skin and clothing. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance updated in 2020, following a standardized donning protocol prevents contamination before staff or caregivers step into high-risk containment zones.

If you only do one thing: Put on medical gloves last and pull their cuffs completely over the wrists of your gown sleeves to eliminate exposed skin.

1. Perform hand hygiene: Clean hands thoroughly with an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol for 20 seconds, or wash with soap and water to ensure you do not transfer contaminants onto clean supplies.
2. Don the isolation gown: Slip your arms into the sleeves and fasten both the neck and waist ties securely behind your back, ensuring the fabric covers your torso from neck to knees and wraps fully around your back.
3. Fit the mask or respirator: Position the surgical mask or N95 respirator (a tight-fitting mask designed to filter at least 95% of airborne particles) over your nose and mouth, adjust the elastic straps behind your head or ears, mold the flexible metal strip over the bridge of your nose, and perform a seal check by gently breathing to confirm no air escapes the perimeter.
4. Position eye protection: Place safety goggles or a clear face shield over your face and eyes, adjusting the strap so the shield sits securely without dislodging or crushing the nose bridge of your mask.
5. Don medical examination gloves: Pull on clean nitrile or latex gloves, extending each glove cuff so it sits over the elastic wrist cuff of the gown with zero skin showing.

• Watch out for: Skipping the respirator seal check, which can allow airborne contaminants to enter around loose edges instead of passing through the filter media.
• Watch out for: Tying gown strings in the front of your body, where they can collect fluid splatter and transfer pathogens during removal.
• Watch out for: Touching the front of your face shield or mask once positioned, which transfers skin oils and potential contaminants to clean barriers before patient contact.

Check the isolation room's posted precautions to confirm whether the patient requires Contact, Droplet, or Airborne isolation gear before donning your supplies. Consult your facility's infection control officer or a qualified medical professional for site-specific isolation guidelines.