Which term describes clothing and equipment worn to protect against infectious materials?

• A. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• B. Safety Gear
• C. Protective Clothing
• D. Hazard Kit

Answer: (A)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) describes the clothing and gear worn to create a barrier against infectious materials. This includes gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and sometimes face shields or respirators. Using PPE lowers the risk of contamination by preventing pathogens from contacting skin, mucous membranes, or clothing, and helps prevent transmission between patient and worker. The term PPE is specific to protective items worn on the body in health and lab settings. Other options don’t fit as well: safety gear is too broad and can include non-worn tools; protective clothing is only the clothing portion, not all equipment; a hazard kit is a collection of supplies for emergencies rather than the worn protection itself.