Where should personal protective equipment (PPE) be removed?

The safest practice for removing personal protective equipment (PPE) is within the patient's room. This ensures that any potentially contaminated equipment is disposed of properly and reduces the risk of spreading pathogens to other areas, such as hallways or break rooms, where more people may be present. Removing PPE in the patient's room allows healthcare providers to maintain control over contamination and follow infection control protocols effectively.

In addition, proper removal techniques can vary based on the type of PPE being used, and performing this process in the location where the potentially infectious materials were present helps prevent inadvertently contaminating other areas. The process often involves specific steps such as untieing or removing gloves and masks in a manner that minimizes exposure, highlighting the importance of having this process take place in a controlled environment.