Which combination of personal protective equipment is appropriate for protection against exposure to blood and body fluids?

• A. Gloves, surgical masks, fluid resistant gown, eye protection
• B. Gowns, gloves, caps
• C. Boot covers only
• D. Gloves and mask only

Answer: (A)

Exposure to blood and body fluids can reach you through skin, eyes, and the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, so a complete set of barriers is needed to block those routes. Gloves protect the hands from direct contact. A fluid-resistant gown shields the arms and the body/clothing from splashes. Eye protection—goggles or a face shield—prevents fluids from splashing into the eyes, which are highly susceptible to infection. A mask protects the nose and mouth from droplets and aerosols and adds a barrier for the respiratory tract.

Other options miss at least one critical route of exposure: a gown, gloves, and caps leaves the eyes and respiratory mucosa unprotected; boot covers alone don’t protect skin or mucous membranes; gloves and mask alone don’t guard the body or eyes. So the combination of gloves, a fluid-resistant gown, eye protection, and a mask provides the necessary, comprehensive protection against exposure to blood and body fluids.