What does the acronym PPE stand for in a healthcare context?

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment in a healthcare context, which refers to protective gear designed to safeguard healthcare workers and patients from the transmission of infections and other hazards. PPE includes items such as gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, and respirators. It plays a crucial role in infection control, particularly in settings where exposure to bloodborne pathogens, respiratory droplets, and other infectious agents is a risk. Proper use of PPE helps to create a barrier that can prevent contamination and protect individuals—especially during procedures that may generate splashes or sprays and in environments where there is a high risk of infection transmission. Understanding this terminology is essential for maintaining safety and hygiene standards in healthcare settings.