What is the correct order of removal for soiled sterile attire when breaking scrub?

The correct order for removing soiled sterile attire when breaking scrub is gown, gloves, and then mask.

To begin, the gown is removed first because it is the most contaminated garment due to its full coverage of the sterile field. By handling the gown first, you're minimizing the risk of transferring contaminants from the gown to the gloves or mask during the removal process. Next, gloves are taken off, as they are classified as personal protective equipment and can also harbor contaminants from the surgical site. This step is crucial to reduce the risk of exposing oneself or others to potential pathogens. Finally, the mask is removed. This is appropriate because the mask is generally less contaminated than the gown and gloves, and taking it off last helps ensure that any respiratory droplets are kept contained while the more contaminated items are already removed.

Removing sterile attire in this specific order is essential in maintaining a safe and sterile environment, especially in surgical settings.