Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a category of objects designed to shield an individual person who wears it from injury, infection and other hazards (e.g. ionizing radiation). Most hazardous occupations have specific personal protective equipment that workers use in specified ways to decrease the risk of injuries.

Personal protective equipment for radiologists, radiographers, and other imaging department personnel may include:

  • physical protection
    • gloves
    • eye protection
    • masks
    • face shields
    • gowns or other items depending upon the circumstances and cases to be imaged
  • ionizing radiation protection

Personal protective equipment should be taken on and off in recommended sequences to maximize protection from infectious disease, however these sequences may vary by institution.