Transmission-based precautions
(Redirected from Transmission-based precaution)
Transmission-based precautions are additional infection control measures used in healthcare settings, alongside standard precautions, to prevent the spread of certain infections. These precautions are tailored to the mode of transmission of specific diseases and are implemented when the suspected or confirmed presence of infectious agents represent a heightened risk of transmission. Transmission-based precautions are categorized into three main types: Contact Precautions, Droplet Precautions, and Airborne Precautions. Each category targets specific routes of transmission to effectively control the spread of infectious agents.
Contact Precautions[edit | edit source]
Contact precautions are designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, including multidrug-resistant organisms, that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient's environment. Examples of pathogens that require contact precautions include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and Clostridioides difficile. Healthcare workers are advised to wear gloves and gowns when entering the room of a patient under contact precautions and to ensure that all equipment is properly disinfected after use.
Droplet Precautions[edit | edit source]
Droplet precautions are implemented to prevent the spread of pathogens that are transmitted through large respiratory droplets produced when a patient coughs, sneezes, or talks. Diseases that may require droplet precautions include Influenza, Pertussis (whooping cough), and certain types of meningitis. Under droplet precautions, healthcare workers should wear surgical masks when within 3 feet of the patient. Patient placement in a private room is recommended if possible.
Airborne Precautions[edit | edit source]
Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted by smaller droplets, which can remain suspended in the air for long periods and can be inhaled by individuals who are not in direct contact with the patient. Diseases that necessitate airborne precautions include Tuberculosis (TB), Measles (rubeola), and Varicella (chickenpox). Healthcare workers must use respiratory protection, such as N95 respirators, when caring for patients under airborne precautions. Patients should be placed in an airborne infection isolation room (AIIR) with negative pressure to prevent the spread of infectious agents to other areas.
Implementation[edit | edit source]
The decision to implement transmission-based precautions is typically based on the clinical judgment of healthcare providers, in conjunction with local, state, and federal health guidelines. It is crucial for healthcare facilities to have policies and procedures in place for the timely identification and isolation of patients who may require transmission-based precautions. Education and training of healthcare personnel on the proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to infection control protocols are essential components of preventing the transmission of infectious diseases.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Transmission-based precautions are critical in the control and prevention of infectious diseases within healthcare settings. By understanding and properly implementing contact, droplet, and airborne precautions, healthcare workers can protect themselves, their patients, and the community from the spread of infectious agents.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD