What does PPE stand for in the context of infection control?

In the context of infection control, PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. This term encompasses a range of protective gear designed to safeguard healthcare workers and patients from the transmission of infectious agents. PPE can include items such as gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, and eyewear, all of which play an essential role in maintaining safety and hygiene standards in healthcare settings.

Understanding the meaning of PPE is crucial for ensuring proper infection control practices. It emphasizes the need for individual protective measures that reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens. By wearing appropriate PPE, healthcare workers can effectively protect themselves while also minimizing the risk of spreading infections to patients and others in the environment. Proper adherence to wearing and disposing of PPE is a fundamental aspect of infection control protocols, helping to reduce the overall incidence of healthcare-associated infections.