Which personal protective equipment is essential to prevent infection during contact precautions?

• A. Gloves
• B. Gown
• C. Mask
• D. Eye protection

Answer: (A)

Touch protection is the main mechanism to prevent infection when caring for patients under contact precautions. Wearing gloves before touching the patient or any contaminated surfaces creates a direct barrier that stops pathogens from transferring to your hands, which are a common vehicle for spreading infection. Proper technique includes donning gloves before contact, changing them between tasks, and performing hand hygiene after removal.

Gowns also help reduce contamination of clothing and the environment, but the essential barrier for contact-based transmission is the glove protection of the hands. Masks and eye protection are geared more toward protecting against respiratory droplets or splashes, not the typical routes involved in contact precautions.