1. Fitting of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and taking swabs for influenza
This PPE module presentation is also accessible on the MLE (Managed Learning Environment).
If you have difficulty accessing the MLE, please contact the Education Centre
This presentation will take about 10 minutes to complete.
Infection Prevention and Control Team
ext or bleep number 1212

2. In this module: Section 1 - Putting on PPE What is PPE
Types of face mask
How to fit a mask correctly
Removal and disposal of PPE
Taking swabs for influenza
Section 2 - Taking off PPE
Section 3 - Specimen taking

3. PPE includes: Disposable apron Face mask (Level 1, 2 or 3)
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
PPE includes:
Disposable apron
Face mask (Level 1, 2 or 3)
Disposable gloves
Goggles or visors
Water-repellent disposable gown
(Please note for wearing of Level 3 Full Face Protection (FFP3) masks, all staff must be fit tested by an approved trainer. Please contact your Line Manager to access this training).

4. Types of masks available
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
Types of masks available
A Level 1 mask is a standard surgical mask

5. Types of masks available
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
Types of masks available
Level 2 mask Full Face Protection (FFP2) – there are different styles available

6. Types of masks available
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
Types of masks available
Level 3 mask Full Face Protection (FFP3)
There are different styles available, with some having valves
Principles of ‘fit’ checking remain the same for Level 2 and Level 3 masks

7. Masks for suspected/confirmed influenza
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
Masks for suspected/confirmed influenza
Level 1 masks
These should be worn by staff working in areas where there are patients isolated for suspected or confirmed influenza.
Level 3 masks
Level 3 masks should be worn, instead of a Level 1 mask, by staff performing aerosol generating procedures, e.g. chest physio, bronchoscopy, intubation and related procedures.

8. Other PPE for suspected/confirmed influenza
In addition to the correct mask staff need to wear the following PPE:
Disposable apron
Disposable gloves
If performing aerosol generating procedures staff will need to wear:
Water repellent gown, instead of an apron
Eye protection – visors or goggles

9. Mask Fit checking - general principles
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
1. Separate edges of mask to fully open it

10. Mask Fit checking - general principles
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
2. Pre-bend the nosepiece to conform to face

11. Mask Fit checking - general principles
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
3. Hold mask upside down to expose headbands and separate using thumbs and index fingers

12. Mask Fit checking - general principles
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
4. Cup the mask under chin, and pull headbands up & over the head

13. Mask Fit checking - general principles
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
5. Position headbands at base of neck and crown of head

14. Fit checking - general principles
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
6. Conform nose piece across bridge of nose and continue to adjust the mask to achieve facial seal

15. Fit checking - general principles
Section 1 – Putting on PPE
7. Continue to adjust the mask to achieve a good facial seal
The mask will not work properly if it is not snugly fitted around your nose and chin.
Airborne contamination could get through any gaps between the mask and your face.

16. Section 1 – Putting on PPE
Do not proceed with your activity until you have successfully ‘fit’ checked your mask and put on all appropriate PPE

17. Removal of PPE In this section you will learn how to remove PPE.
Section 2 – Removing PPE
In this section you will learn how to remove PPE.
Always assume that your PPE has become contaminated and always follow the correct procedure for taking it off.
It is important that PPE is removed safely to prevent contamination.

18. Step 1
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Remove gloves

19. Step 1 Remove gloves Take care not to touch the outside of the gloves
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Remove gloves
Take care not to touch the outside of the gloves

20. Step 2
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Remove gown

21. Step 2
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Remove gown
Roll up gown inside out

22. Step 3 Dispose of gloves and gown as clinical waste
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Dispose of gloves and gown as clinical waste

23. Step 4 Remove visor or goggles
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Remove visor or goggles
Handle only by the sides or headband – do not touch the front of the visor or goggles

24. Step 4 Remove visor or goggles Drop into clinical waste bin
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Remove visor or goggles
Drop into clinical waste bin

25. Step 5
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Wash hands with soap & water, dry thoroughly using disposable paper towels

26. Step 6 - Remove face mask
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Depending on type of mask, either break headbands at the side of the mask or stretch the elastic straps over the head
Drop discarded mask into clinical waste bin

27. Step 7
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Gel hands with alcohol hand rub gel to remove any contamination from the mask

28. Step 8
Section 2 – Removing PPE
Leave room and wash hands again

29. Removal of Personal Protective Equipment
Section 2 – Removing PPE
1. Remove gloves
2. Remove gown
3. Dispose of gloves and gown as clinical waste
4. Remove visor or goggles and put in clinical waste bin
5. Wash hands with soap and water, dry thoroughly using disposable towels
6. Remove face mask and drop into clinical waste bin
7. Gel hands with alcohol hand rub gel to remove any contamination from the mask
8. Leave room and wash hands again

30. How to take swabs for Influenza
Specimen taking
How to take swabs for Influenza

31. Type of Swab
Section 3 – Specimen taking for influenza
A combined nose and throat swab should be taken using a swab (containing a transport medium)

32. Assemble required supplies:
Section 3 – Specimen taking for influenza
1 swab for each patient
Staff member taking the swab must wear disposable apron, gloves and face mask
Eye protection must be used if there is a risk of eye splash

33. Throat swab collection
Section 3 – Specimen taking for influenza
Using the swab, vigorously swab the posterior pharyngeal wall including tonsil area
Take a specimen from the throat first

34. Nasal Swabbing
Section 3 – Specimen taking for influenza
Tilt the patient’s head back slightly, and using the same swab insert along the medial part of the septum until it reaches the posterior nares
Always take the throat swab before you take the nasal swab
Take a specimen from the throat first, then from the nose using the same swab

35. Specimen taking When you have taken the specimen:
Section 3 – Specimen taking for influenza
When you have taken the specimen:
Insert swab into the vial and ‘snap off’ swab at breakpoint.
Label appropriately with patient details.
Complete a T’Quest request form in full and place vial in a bag and attach the T’Quest form.
Take a specimen from the throat first, then from the nose using the same swab

36. Specimen taking When you have taken the specimen:
Section 3 – Specimen taking for influenza
When you have taken the specimen:
Dispose of PPE as clinical waste
Wash hands using soap and water
Dry hands thoroughly with disposable paper towels

37. Fitting of PPE guide completed
End of this presentation guide to using PPE and taking a combined throat and nasal swab for influenza.
Infection Prevention and Control Team
ext or bleep number 1212