Which statement about washing gloves and rubber boots before removal is true?

Which statement about washing gloves and rubber boots before removal is true?

• A. You do not have to wash gloves and rubber boots before you remove them.
• B. You must wash gloves and rubber boots before you remove them.
• C. You should wash them only after removal.
• D. You should never wash gloves and boots.

Answer: (A)

Decontamination and PPE doffing sequencing matters. You do not have to wash gloves and rubber boots before removing them. The goal is to minimize transfer of contaminants during removal, which is best achieved by proper doffing technique and then cleaning or decontaminating after removal as the protocol directs. Washing before removal isn’t required and can complicate the removal process or spread contaminants. After removing the gloves and boots, follow the designated decontamination steps and perform hand hygiene as needed. The other statements either imply an unnecessary pre-removal wash or suggest never cleaning, which isn’t consistent with proper PPE practices.

Decontamination and PPE doffing sequencing matters. You do not have to wash gloves and rubber boots before removing them. The goal is to minimize transfer of contaminants during removal, which is best achieved by proper doffing technique and then cleaning or decontaminating after removal as the protocol directs. Washing before removal isn’t required and can complicate the removal process or spread contaminants. After removing the gloves and boots, follow the designated decontamination steps and perform hand hygiene as needed. The other statements either imply an unnecessary pre-removal wash or suggest never cleaning, which isn’t consistent with proper PPE practices.