A pharmacy technician is preparing compound medications. Which of the following pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) should the technician put on first?

In the context of preparing compounded medications, the order of donning personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring the safety of both the technician and the medications being prepared. The correct sequence for putting on PPE typically starts from the least contaminated items to the most contaminated items.

Shoe covers are generally the first article of PPE that should be applied as they help to minimize the introduction of contaminants into the sterile area. By putting on shoe covers first, the technician prevents any dirt or contaminants from their shoes from entering the compounding area, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the sterile environment required for compounded medications.

Hair covers, face masks, and gowns are also important components of PPE. However, they are designed to protect different aspects; hair covers and masks pertain more to personal hygiene and protection from aerosols, while gowns protect the technician's clothing from contamination. By starting with shoe covers, the technician ensures that any contaminants from footwear are managed at the outset, thereby establishing a clean foundation before progressing to other layers of protection.