Which of the following is NOT considered a type of PPE?

The selection of sharps as the correct answer points to the understanding of personal protective equipment (PPE) within the context of infection control. PPE is specifically designed to protect the wearer from exposure to hazards, including biological agents that pose an infection risk, primarily in healthcare and dental settings.

Protective attire, gloves, and eyewear all fall intrinsically under the definition of PPE, as they are used to shield healthcare workers from potential contamination and injury. Protective attire helps prevent the transmission of infectious agents through clothing, gloves serve as a barrier to protect hands from direct contact with patients and contaminated surfaces, and eyewear protects the eyes from exposure to splashes or debris.

Sharps, on the other hand, refer to instruments that can puncture or cut skin, such as needles, blades, or broken glass. While managing sharps is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing injury or infection, they do not function as personal protective equipment since they do not provide a barrier or protection to the wearer. Instead, they are items that require careful handling and disposal to minimize risks. Thus, labeling sharps as not being a type of PPE is accurate within the framework of infection control practices.