PPE or personal protective equipment is specialized clothing or equipment that must be worn by workers to ensure safety against infectious materials. PPE has to be worn to avoid contact with an infectious agent such as body fluid that may contain microbes. It creates a barrier between the potential infectious materials and health care providers.
PPE is a broad term that includes several components such as gowns, gloves, shoes, masks, head covers, face shields, respirators, and goggles among other things.
What’s in a disposable PPE kit?
If you are thinking of putting together your own PPE kit, you must gather following supplies:
- A face shield
- A pair of gloves
- A disposable gown
- Hair and shoe covers
- A bag
Disposable PPE kits include components that are meant for one time use. You have to dispose all of the articles by packing safely in the bag to avoid passive contamination.
PPE in Health care settings
In health care settings such as hospitals, doctor’s office and clinical labs, PPE is commonly used for infection control. Various components of the PPE act as a barrier between infection causing microbes such as bacteria and viruses and the wearer’s body. PPE also provides protection to patients who are at a high risk for contracting infections through a surgical procedure. It is also crucial for patients with immunodeficiency syndrome. Such patients must be protected from being exposed to substances or potentially infectious materials carried in by a visitor.
PPE must be used properly along with other infection prevention practices like regular hand washing or sanitization to minimize infection transmission. Effective use of PPE is ensured through proper removal and disposing of the used PPE to prevent exposing people to infections.
Sinai Medical Supply, an online medical equipment and supplies store, offers high-quality PPE kit for complete safety within health care settings.