COPE Health Scholars Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The correct order for doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure safety. The appropriate sequence begins with removing the gown and gloves, as these are often heavily contaminated with pathogens. After safely removing the gown and gloves, it is important to use hand sanitizer or gel to clean your hands before proceeding to take off the respiratory protection, which includes the mask and goggles.

In this order, removing the gown first helps to prevent contamination of the hands, which can subsequently affect other surfaces or equipment. Following hand decontamination with gel after removing gloves is crucial to eliminate any remaining pathogens before touching the face or removing any eye protection. Thus, ending with the mask and goggles reduces the risk of inhaling any pathogens that might have settled.

This process ensures that the most contaminated items are removed first, while less contaminated items are taken off last, thereby providing a systematic approach to doffing PPE safely.