What is a key purpose of using personal protective equipment (PPE) in medical settings?

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in medical settings is fundamentally aimed at preventing cross-contamination and safeguarding healthcare workers from exposure to potentially infectious materials. PPE serves as a barrier against pathogens, bodily fluids, and other contaminants that could pose health risks to medical personnel during patient care.

By utilizing items such as gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, healthcare workers are better equipped to reduce the transmission of infections, thus ensuring their own safety as well as that of their patients. This is especially critical in environments where exposure to diseases is a risk, such as during surgeries, when handling bodily fluids, or in areas with patients known to have communicable infections.

This key purpose of PPE aligns directly with infection control protocols and is essential for maintaining a safe healthcare environment.