What is the proper sequence for donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) personal protective equipment (PPE)?

PPE sequence is critical to prevent self-contamination. Donning (clean to contaminated): (1) Perform hand hygiene; (2) Gown — tied at neck and waist; (3) Mask or respirator — secure with ties or elastic; (4) Goggles or face shield — over the eyes; (5) Gloves — extending over gown cuffs. Doffing (contaminated to clean) is reversed and most critical because items are now contaminated: (1) Gloves — remove first because they are most contaminated; (2) Goggles or face shield — handle by the strap behind the head, not the front; (3) Gown — untie and roll inward, contaminated side in; (4) Mask or respirator — handle by ties or elastic, not the front; (5) Perform hand hygiene. The mask/respirator is removed last because it protected the airway throughout. Hand hygiene is performed between steps when the next item must be handled cleanly. CDC offers detailed posters for clinical reference.