When removing PPE, are the outside front and sleeves of an isolation gown considered clean or contaminated?

The correct understanding is that the outside front and sleeves of an isolation gown are considered contaminated. Isolation gowns are designed to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents, and the outer surfaces of these gowns may come into contact with body fluids, pathogens, or other sources of contamination during procedures.

When donning the gown, the inside, which touches the skin and is often clean, remains sterile. However, once the gown has been used, the outside surfaces cannot be deemed clean because they may have been exposed to contaminants during the course of the procedure. This means that when removing the gown, care must be taken to avoid contacting the outer surfaces with one's skin or clothes to prevent the spread of potential infections.

The other options imply that the outer surfaces could be safe or clean, which misrepresents the purpose and use of personal protective equipment. Understanding the contamination status of PPE, like isolation gowns, is crucial in maintaining proper infection control practices in healthcare settings.