Which item is an example of personal protective equipment (PPE) in infection control?

Which item is an example of personal protective equipment (PPE) in infection control?

• A. Towels
• B. Regular clothing
• C. Soap and water
• D. Gloves

Answer: (D)

PPE creates a protective barrier between you and infectious material. Gloves are a primary PPE item because they cover the hands and prevent the transfer of pathogens during patient care or when handling contaminated surfaces. They’re typically disposable and used once, with proper hand hygiene both before putting them on and after taking them off. The other options don’t provide that protective barrier: towels are for drying or cleaning, not protection; regular clothing isn’t specialized PPE; soap and water is for hand hygiene to clean skin, not a protective garment.

PPE creates a protective barrier between you and infectious material. Gloves are a primary PPE item because they cover the hands and prevent the transfer of pathogens during patient care or when handling contaminated surfaces. They’re typically disposable and used once, with proper hand hygiene both before putting them on and after taking them off. The other options don’t provide that protective barrier: towels are for drying or cleaning, not protection; regular clothing isn’t specialized PPE; soap and water is for hand hygiene to clean skin, not a protective garment.