How to Use a Medical Face Shield

Medical face shields are designed to protect your face from fluids that can splash up during medical procedures. They are used by dentists, doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. There are different types of face shields available on the market. One type is comprised of a face mask with a plastic shield that extends upward in front of the face. It is held in place with elastic loops that hook over your ears or strings that tie behind your head and neck. Another type is a headband with a plastic shield that extends down over your face. This shield does not include a mask piece.

Instructions

• 1

  Put on your face shield before you enter a patient's room or the procedure area. Place the headband style shield around your head and adjust it until it fits snuggly. If your shield is attached to a face mask, place the elastic loops over your ears or tie the strings behind your head and neck. Adjust the mask part of the shield so it does not slide down your face.

• 2

  Wear your face shield until you are out of the area of potential exposure but still in the patient's room so that contaminants are not transferred to another area.

• 3

  Remove your shield by grasping the ear loops, untying the strings or removing the headband. Do not touch the front part of the shield or face mask that might be contaminated. Dispose of the shield in the proper medical waste container.