Personal protective equipment is only protective if it matches the exposure — and the good news is that PPE is governed by clear standards that tell you exactly what a product will and won't do. Buy by the standard, not the label, and you stop over-paying for protection you don't need and under-protecting where you do. This guide walks the four PPE categories a clinic actually stocks — gloves, masks, gowns, and head/eye protection — explains the levels (ASTM mask levels, AAMI gown levels), and points to real products.
1. Gloves
Exam gloves are the most-used PPE in any clinic. Nitrile is the modern default for its barrier strength, puncture and chemical resistance, and lack of latex-allergy risk; latex and vinyl have their places. Because material choice deserves its own breakdown, see our dedicated guide: Nitrile vs. Latex vs. Vinyl Exam Gloves. A reliable everyday option is Safe-Touch black nitrile powder-free gloves.
2. Masks: know the ASTM level (and what a mask isn't)
Medical face masks are rated by ASTM F2100 in three levels, chiefly by fluid resistance and filtration:
| ASTM Level | Fluid resistance | Filtration (BFE) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Low (80 mmHg) | ≥95% | Short, low-fluid exams; general use |
| Level 2 | Moderate (120 mmHg) | ≥98% | Moderate spray/aerosol tasks |
| Level 3 | High (160 mmHg) | ≥98% | Heavy fluid/spray procedures |
3. Gowns: match the AAMI PB70 level to the splash
Isolation and surgical gowns are rated by ANSI/AAMI PB70 in four barrier levels — the higher the level, the greater the liquid-barrier protection:
| AAMI Level | Barrier | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Minimal | Basic care, low fluid (e.g., cover gowns) |
| Level 2 | Low | Blood draw, suturing, low-fluid procedures |
| Level 3 | Moderate | Arterial draw, ER, higher fluid exposure |
| Level 4 | Highest (impermeable) | Surgery, long/fluid-intensive procedures |
Common stock includes a fluid-resistant isolation gown (a typical Level-2 barrier), reinforced surgical gowns, and a poly-coated barrier gown for hazardous-drug handling. Match the level to the expected fluid volume and duration.
4. Head & eye protection
- Bouffant / surgical caps contain hair and reduce shedding into the field — for example bouffant nurse caps.
- Face shields protect the eyes, nose, and mouth from splash and spray, and are worn with a mask, not instead of one.
- Protective eyewear / goggles guard against splash where a shield isn't used.
- Lab coats & jackets add everyday barrier and professional cover for lab and clinical staff.
Building a PPE kit by setting
- General exam room: nitrile gloves, ASTM Level 1–2 masks, Level 1–2 gowns as needed, eye protection on hand.
- Procedure / higher-splash tasks: nitrile gloves, ASTM Level 3 masks, Level 3 gowns, face shields.
- Hazardous-drug handling: chemo-rated gloves and poly-coated chemotherapy gowns per your hazardous-drug policy.
- Airborne-precaution tasks: fit-tested N95 respirators (not surgical masks) plus eye protection.
Frequently asked questions
What do ASTM mask levels mean?
ASTM F2100 rates medical masks in three levels by fluid resistance and filtration: Level 1 (low, 80 mmHg), Level 2 (moderate, 120 mmHg), and Level 3 (high, 160 mmHg). Higher levels suit tasks with more spray or fluid.
Is a surgical mask the same as an N95?
No. A surgical mask provides a fluid barrier but does not seal to the face. An N95 is a NIOSH-approved respirator that filters at least 95% of 0.3-micron particles and requires fit testing. Choose a mask for splash protection and a respirator for airborne particulate.
What are AAMI gown levels?
ANSI/AAMI PB70 rates gowns in four barrier levels: Level 1 (minimal) through Level 4 (highest, impermeable, for surgery). Higher levels provide more liquid-barrier protection; match the level to expected fluid exposure and duration.
Which gown level do I need?
Level 1–2 for basic care and low-fluid tasks like blood draws; Level 3 for higher fluid exposure such as ER or arterial draws; Level 4 for surgery and long, fluid-intensive procedures. Follow your facility's exposure assessment.
Do I wear a face shield instead of a mask?
No — a face shield is worn with a mask, not as a replacement. The shield protects against splash to the eyes and face while the mask provides the fluid/filtration barrier for the nose and mouth.
Stock the right protection level
Shop gloves, masks, isolation and surgical gowns, caps, face shields, and lab coats in our PPE & Personal Protection collection, with exam gloves detailed in Gloves. Buying for a whole facility? Ask our team about bulk pricing.
Standards references (ASTM F2100, ANSI/AAMI PB70, NIOSH N95) are general. This article is product-selection guidance, not clinical or safety advice — follow your facility's exposure assessment and PPE protocols.
