Which piece of personal protective equipment is donned last before entering a clean room?

Wearing gloves last before entering a clean room is essential for maintaining the sterile environment and protecting both the personnel and the products being handled. The reason gloves are donned last is to minimize the risk of contamination. Prior to putting on gloves, a person will typically don a gown and other protective gear such as a surgical mask or face shield.

By putting on gloves last, the individual ensures that their hands do not come into contact with any potentially contaminated surfaces after the protective gown has been put on, thereby enhancing the overall integrity of the clean room. Gloves serve as a barrier against pathogens and contaminants; hence it is critical that they are the final piece of equipment applied, ensuring they remain uncontaminated for as long as possible before entering the clean area. This practice is a standard protocol in maintaining aseptic techniques in environments like pharmaceutical manufacturing, hospital pharmacies, and laboratories.