The unit should have a
written policy and procedure regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) that defines
activities in which PPE should be worn and the appropriate type. 22 For sterile
environments, the use of PPE is commonly dictated by the traffic pattern and location of
care, defined as unrestricted, semi-restricted, and restricted areas.23 In contrast, in the nonsterile
endoscopy environment, the use of PPE is dependent on the degree to which staff has
the potential to come into direct contact with patients and their bodily fluids during specific