Essential PPE for Clinics: A Practical Checklist

Personal protective equipment protects both staff and patients, but many small clinics either overstock items they rarely use or run out of the ones they need daily. A simple, well-chosen baseline works better than a crowded storeroom. Examination gloves are the highest-turnover item. Nitrile has become the default choice: it resists punctures and chemicals better than latex and eliminates latex-allergy risk for staff and patients. Stock at least two sizes, and place a box within arm's reach of every treatment point. Masks come in tiers. Standard surgical masks cover routine consultations, while N95/FFP2 respirators are for aerosol-generating procedures and respiratory infection seasons. Respirators only protect when they seal — train staff on fit-checking. Isolation gowns and disposable aprons protect clothing during procedures with splash risk. Keep a small reserve of higher-protection gowns even if daily work rarely needs them; shortages always happen at the worst time. Eye protection is the most neglected category. Face shields or safety goggles should be standard for dental work, wound irrigation, and any procedure that can splash. Reusable shields must be disinfected between patients. Round out the checklist with hand sanitizer at every station, sharps containers within reach of where sharps are used, and surface disinfectant wipes. Review consumption monthly and set reorder points — running out of gloves mid-clinic is not an option.