What is the correct technique for removing contaminated gown without contaminating yourself?

• A. Grasp gown away from body, turn it inside out, roll into bundle away from you, dispose, and perform hand hygiene
• B. Turn gown inside out as you remove
• C. Remove by pulling over head
• D. Dispose gown without hand hygiene

Answer: (A)

Doffing a contaminated gown safely hinges on keeping the contaminated surface away from your body and clothing and containing it as you remove it. Start by grasping the gown away from your body so you don’t touch the front or sleeves that are contaminated. Then turn the gown inside out as you remove it, so the contaminated exterior is folded inward and not exposed to you. Roll the gown into a bundle away from you to trap any remaining contaminants inside the folds. Dispose of the gown properly without letting the contaminated surface touch your skin or clean surfaces, and immediately perform hand hygiene after disposal. This sequence minimizes the chance of transferring pathogens to your skin, clothing, or the environment.

Why other methods aren’t as safe: pulling the gown over your head exposes the front and sleeves to your face and skin, increasing contact with contaminants; removing without turning it inside out or rolling it doesn’t contain the contaminated exterior; disposing without performing hand hygiene leaves any residual pathogens on your hands.