Which PPE is indicated for protection against body fluid exposure?

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

Answer: (A)

For body fluid exposure, the most direct protection is wearing gloves. They create a barrier on the hands to prevent contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials, which is where exposure typically occurs during procedures, specimen handling, or patient care. Gloves should be used whenever such contact is possible and changed between tasks or patients, with hand hygiene performed after removal to prevent contamination.

Gowns protect skin and clothing from splashes but don’t block contact with fluids on the hands. Eye protection and masks safeguard mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) from splashes, but they don’t address skin exposure on the hands. In higher-risk situations, multiple PPE pieces are used together, but gloves are the essential first line for preventing body fluid exposure on the hands.