Show Transmission-based precautions are used in addition to standard precautions when use of standard precautions alone does not fully prevent communicable disease transmission. There are three types of transmission-based precautions--contact, droplet, and airborne - the type used depends on the mode of transmission of a specific disease. Some diseases require more than one type of transmission-based precaution (e.g. SARS, which requires airborne and contact precautions as well as
eye protection with all client contact). Additional resources Isolation Precautions CDC Guidelines Contacts Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) Prevention Program
Last Revised: June 23, 2020 Precautions
Airborne PrecautionsAirborne precautions are required to protect against airborne transmission of infectious agents. Diseases requiring airborne precautions include, but are not limited to: Measles, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Varicella (chickenpox), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Airborne precautions apply to patients known or suspected to be infected with microorganisms transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei. Preventing airborne transmission requires personal respiratory protection and special ventilation and air handling. Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Airborne PrecautionsAirborne precautions are in addition to Standard Precautions PLUS Masks and Respirators
Additional ProceduresRoom
Patient
How airborne transmission occurs:Airborne transmission occurs through the dissemination of either:
Microorganisms carried by the airborne route can be widely dispersed by air currents and may become inhaled by a susceptible host in the same room or over a long distance form the source patient – depending on environmental factors such as temperature and ventilation. see also>>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Infection Control Last Updated: 10/04/2022 |