Which PPE configuration is considered optimal during chemotherapy administration and when handling bodily fluids?

• A. Double gloves and face mask with fluid shield
• B. Single gloves, goggles and gown
• C. Double gloves, gown, mask with fluid shield
• D. Single gloves, gown, goggles, and mask

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to protect the hands and the eyes/face from exposure to cytotoxic drugs and any bodily fluids during chemotherapy administration. Double gloves provide a stronger barrier: if the outer glove tears or becomes contaminated, a second layer helps prevent skin contact with hazardous agents. The mask with a fluid shield protects the eyes, nose, and mouth from splashes or sprays, which are common risks when drawing up, administering, or dealing with spills. This combination targets the most critical exposure routes—hands and facial mucous membranes—while staying a practical, commonly used baseline for safety.

While gowns add protection to clothing and skin, the paired protection for hands and face often takes precedence in many standard protocols, making this setup a highly effective baseline. Other configurations that omit either the double gloves or the face-eye protection would leave important exposure routes more vulnerable, or require adding components elsewhere.