Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Protective Clothing

Protective clothing in healthcare refers to clothing worn by healthcare workers to protect themselves and others from exposure to infectious agents and other hazards. It is designed to provide a barrier between the wearer and the environment.

Examples of protective clothing in healthcare include:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, masks, goggles, face shields, and respirators. These are worn by healthcare workers to protect themselves from exposure to infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses.

Surgical clothing such as scrubs, gowns, and caps worn by surgical personnel in the operating room to reduce the risk of contamination during surgery. Isolation gowns worn by healthcare workers in contact with patients who are contagious or have been exposed to harmful substances

Lab coats worn by laboratory personnel to protect against spills and splashes of hazardous materials

Disposable shoe covers worn by healthcare workers in certain areas to prevent the spread of dirt and germs.

It’s important to note that the use of protective clothing should be based on the specific hazards present in the work environment and the level of protection needed. Healthcare organizations should provide their employees with appropriate protective clothing and training on how to use and maintain it. Proper use and maintenance of protective clothing is crucial to ensure that it provides the intended level of protection and to prevent cross-contamination.