What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is commonly used in contact precautions?

In the context of contact precautions, gloves and gowns are the essential pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents through direct or indirect contact. Contact precautions are typically implemented when dealing with pathogens that can be spread by touching contaminated surfaces or the patient themselves.

Gloves are employed to protect the hands from exposure to infectious materials, while gowns provide a barrier between the healthcare worker's clothing and the potential contaminants present in the environment or on the patient's body. This combination is crucial for minimizing the risk of infection, especially when handling patients with certain infections or when caring for individuals in settings where there is a risk of contamination.

Other options such as masks and goggles or face shields and respirators are more commonly associated with respiratory precautions or droplet precautions, aimed at protecting against airborne or droplet-transmitted infections. Surgical scrubs, while essential for maintaining cleanliness in a clinical environment, do not specifically provide protection against the direct contact with contaminants as gloves and gowns do. Thus, gloves and gowns are the correct choice for ensuring safety when adhering to contact precautions.