What PPE Will Be Requested In Hospital Radiology Department

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required in a hospital radiology department varies depending on the procedures being conducted, the level of exposure risk to ionizing radiation, infectious agents, and other hazards. Here’s a breakdown of common PPE items and guidance on donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) them:

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1. Lead Aprons and Thyroid Shields

Purpose:

• Protect against ionizing radiation.

Donning:

1. Inspect for cracks or damage.
2. Wear the lead apron over regular clothing, securing straps snugly.
3. Attach the thyroid shield around the neck securely.

Doffing:

1. Unfasten the straps and remove the apron gently to avoid strain.
2. Hang it properly on designated racks to prevent damage.

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2. Radiation Protective Glasses

Purpose:

• Protect eyes from scattered ionizing radiation.

Donning:

1. Inspect lenses for scratches or damage.
2. Wear the glasses, ensuring a snug fit over your eyes.

Doffing:

1. Remove glasses by the temples to avoid contaminating hands or face.
2. Clean and store them in a protective case.

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3. Gloves

Purpose:

• Protect hands from contamination, including infectious agents and hazardous materials.

Donning:

1. Sanitize hands before wearing gloves.
2. Choose the correct size for a snug fit.
3. Slide hands into gloves without touching the outer surface.

Doffing:

1. Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist, peel it away without touching skin.
2. Ball it up in the gloved hand and use two fingers of the bare hand to remove the second glove, turning it inside out.
3. Dispose of gloves in a biohazard bin and sanitize hands immediately.

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4. Surgical Masks or Respirators (e.g., N95)

Purpose:

• Prevent inhalation of infectious agents.

Donning:

1. Sanitize hands before touching the mask.
2. Hold the mask by the straps, placing it over the nose and mouth.
3. Secure straps over the ears or head, ensuring a snug fit.
4. Check for seal tightness (for N95 respirators).

Doffing:

1. Remove by the straps, avoiding contact with the mask surface.
2. Dispose of the mask in a biohazard bin (or store in a clean, breathable container if reusing).
3. Sanitize hands immediately.

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5. Goggles or Face Shields

Purpose:

• Protect eyes and face from splashes, sprays, or infectious droplets.

Donning:

1. Inspect for cleanliness and damage.
2. Position goggles or shield over eyes/face and adjust for a snug fit.

Doffing:

1. Remove by the straps or edges without touching the front.
2. Clean with disinfectant if reusable; dispose of if single-use.
3. Sanitize hands.

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6. Gowns (Disposable or Lead-Lined)

Purpose:

• Protect clothing and skin from contamination or radiation.

Donning:

1. Inspect for tears or damage.
2. Put arms through the sleeves and secure ties at the back of the neck and waist.

Doffing:

1. Untie the waist and neck ties.
2. Peel away from the shoulders, turning it inside out.
3. Dispose of in a biohazard bin or follow cleaning protocols for reusable gowns.
4. Sanitize hands.

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7. Shoe Covers

Purpose:

• Prevent contamination from or to the floor.

Donning:

1. Ensure the covers are clean and intact.
2. Slip them over shoes, securing snugly.

Doffing:

1. Remove by grasping the edges without touching the shoe or outer surface.
2. Dispose of properly and sanitize hands.

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General Guidelines for Donning and Doffing PPE:

1. Preparation (Donning):
   • Perform hand hygiene.
   • Don PPE in the order of gowns, masks, goggles/face shields, gloves.
   • Ensure all equipment fits snugly and provides proper coverage.
2. Removal (Doffing):
   • Remove PPE in the order of gloves, goggles/face shields, gown, mask.
   • Avoid touching the contaminated outer surfaces.
   • Perform hand hygiene between each removal step and at the end.
3. Key Practices:
   • Always follow institutional protocols and training.
   • Dispose of single-use PPE in designated biohazard bins.
   • Clean and disinfect reusable PPE after use.

If you need additional details about specific PPE items or protocols, let SINOMOX know!