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About Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)On this page:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and patient carePPE is any type of specialized clothing, barrier product, or breathing (respiratory) device used to protect workers from serious injuries or illnesses while doing their jobs. Proper use of PPE by workers involved in patient care aids infection control because it helps
When to use PPE in patient careCDC and OSHA make recommendations or requirements for protecting health care workers from illness or injury that often include recommendations for use of PPE. (CDC's infection control recommendations also are designed to help limit transmission to and among patients.) For more information, see CDC’s Infection Control in Healthcare Settings. In general, use PPE to cover the face, hands, other exposed skin, and clothing during patient care activities that may cause exposure to body fluids (such as blood, respiratory secretions, vomit, urine or feces), or certain chemotherapy agents.
How PPE intended for patient care is regulatedPPE that is intended for use in preventing or treating disease is subject to regulation under the device provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This includes PPE that is marketed for patient care in health care settings (such as surgical masks, gloves and gowns). FDA evaluates the performance of PPE intended for use in patient care before it is marketed. It also makes sure that manufacturers follow good manufacturing practices and address complaints and adverse events associated with their products. For more information, see FDA’s Role in Regulating PPE.
How to know what types of PPE to useCDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and not FDA, makes recommendations on infection control measures. These may include advice on use of personal protective equipment. For more information about CDC's recommendations for PPE, see CDC's Infection Control Guidelines.
Buying PPEYou do not need a prescription to buy personal protective equipment. You can buy personal protective equipment from pharmacies, from medical suppliers, or from sources you find on the Internet. For more information about buying medical products on the Internet, see FDA’s website on Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online To find lists of all medical devices that have been cleared by FDA for legal commercial distribution, see the following:
Avoid Reusing PPEDo NOT reuse personal protective equipment. Almost all personal protective equipment used in patient care is disposable and is designed to be used one time for contact with one patient. Dispose of the equipment carefully after each patient use or if the equipment becomes soiled (see Disposing of PPE). The only type of personal protective equipment that can be reused is a surgical gown that is labeled as washable for multiple use.
Washing and disinfecting PPEThe only type of personal protective equipment that can be washed is a surgical gown that is labeled as washable for multiple use. There is no proper way to wash or disinfect disposable personal protective equipment. Dispose of the equipment carefully after each patient use or if the equipment becomes soiled (see sections on disposing of PPE below).
Sharing PPEDo NOT share personal protective equipment. Used equipment will not provide an effective barrier against hazards or infection.
Disposing of contaminated PPE at healthcare and public facilitiesThe FDA does not regulate the disposal of PPE. The following are general recommendations. Please refer to the EPA's medical waste website, OSHA's bloodborne pathogens and needlestick prevention website, and individual State websites for specific requirements regarding the disposal of contaminated PPE. PPE that is dripping with blood or body fluids (grossly contaminated) should be placed into a container that is leak-proof and closed. If the outside of the container becomes contaminated, it should be placed into a second similar container. Waste containers must be marked with either a biohazard symbol such as the one shown below, or placed in a colored-coded container such as a red bag.
Lightly soiled PPE, for example PPE with spots of blood or with small amounts of body fluids absorbed into the materials, can be discarded in the regular trash. Waste containers holding contaminated PPE are considered to be bioharzadous medical waste which needs to be disposed of according to individual state regulations. There are no additional requirements for disposing of PPE from patients in isolation. Follow the same methods and procedures as for any other medical waste.
Disposing of contaminated PPE at home When disposing of PPE at home,
Updated May 9, 2006 |
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