In airborne precautions, which piece of PPE can be removed outside of the room?

In the context of airborne precautions, masks are the piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that can safely be removed outside of the patient's room. This is due to the nature of airborne transmission, where infectious particles remain suspended in the air and can travel long distances. Masks are specifically designed to filter out these airborne pathogens and protect the healthcare worker while they are in the contaminated area.

Once a healthcare worker exits the room where airborne precautions are in place, they are no longer in direct contact with the source of the airborne infection, making it safe to remove the mask. The removal of the mask should always be done in a manner that minimizes the risk of contamination, such as avoiding contact with the front of the mask and following proper procedures outlined in infection control guidelines.

In contrast, gowns, gloves, and goggles are typically removed within the patient’s room, as they are meant to protect against contact with body fluids and respiratory secretions which may still pose an exposure risk even just outside the room. Removing them outside could lead to contamination of the healthcare worker or the environment. Proper adherence to the protocols for donning and doffing PPE is critical in preventing the spread of infections.