Transmission-Based Precautions should be used when standard precautions alone are insufficient to interrupt the transmission of a microorganism. Transmission-Based Precautions are to be applied in addition to standard precautions. Show
There are three types of Transmission-Based Precautions, tailored to the different forms of transmission; Contact precautionsContact precautions, when used with standard precautions, are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms by direct and/or indirect contact. Perform a risk assessment based on patients' communicability or risk of transmitting infection to others and to healthcare workers. Contact precautions should be considered for patients colonised or infected with a multi-resistant organism (MRO) where there is significant patient and/or environmental contact. Assessment of the patient's risk factors that potentially contribute to the spread of organisms in addition to local epidemiology will guide clinicians to whether patients require contact precautions with isolation, cohorting or management using standard precautions. Contact precautions consist of: Before entering patient zone
After entering patient zone
On leaving patient zone
When transporting patient outside of the room remove PPE and perform hand hygiene after placing patient on trolley/stretcher/wheelchair. Use patient-dedicated or single-use non-critical patient-care equipment. Ensure consistent cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in close proximity to the patient and those likely to be touched by the patient and healthcare workers.. Droplet precautionsDroplet precautions should be employed in addition to standard precautions when caring for any patient known to be or suspected of being infected with a microorganism that can be transmitted by the respiratory droplet transmission route. Specific requirements for droplet precautions are:
If a patient who is being cared for under droplet precautions requires an aerosol generating procedure (AGP), this procedure should be undertaken in a dedicated treatment room away from other patients. If aerosol generating-procedures are anticipated, a P2/N95 mask should be worn by attending HWs. Protective eyewear should be worn as part of standard precautions. The following should be adhered to when managing patients on droplet precautions;
Given that droplets do not remain suspended in the air, special air handling and ventilation is not required under droplet precautions. Airborne precautionsAirborne precautions are designed to interrupt the airborne transmission route. Airborne precautions should be employed in addition to standard precautions when caring for patients who are known or suspected to be infected with a microorganism that can be transmitted by the airborne route. Specific requirements for airborne precautions are:
For further information visit ACSQHC - 6.4 Type and duration of precautions for specific infections and conditions. Please see the Resources page for signs and posters.
Doctors, nurses and other health care workers must always use standard precautions (good hand washing prior to entering your child’s room and after leaving your child’s room) to limit the risk of spreading infections. Health care workers may use gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection or face shields when taking care of your child. These precautions are required by Federal law at all hospitals to protect patients as well as health care workers. Transmission-based precautions (isolation) are used along with standard precautions when the spread of infection might not be completely stopped when using only standard precautions.
Airborne precautions are used when germs, such as the kind that cause tuberculosis (TB) and chickenpox, can be spread through the air from one person to another. Your child may be placed on airborne precautions as a safety measure if he or she has symptoms of these germs or if laboratory results show that your child has these germs. Your child may need to stay in airborne precautions even if he or she seems to be well. This is because some germs can still be spread to other people from your child. Your child will need to stay in his or her room unless taken out of the room by a staff member for testing or procedures. Airborne precautions can be frustrating for a child. A child life specialist may help by providing play activities. Ways you can help your child:
What Airborne Precautions MeansEither a purple or gold sign will be posted at the entrance to the room when these precautions are needed so that everyone entering knows what to wear (Picture 1). Everyone (parents, family, guests, and healthcare workers) must wash their hands with soap and water or use waterless alcohol-based hand rub when entering and leaving the room.
Masks
Hand HygieneHand hygiene involves either washing hands with soap and water or killing germs on the hands with a waterless alcohol-based hand rub. Proper hand hygiene is one of the best ways to stop the spread of germs and prevent infections. To prevent your child or yourself from getting unwanted germs, wash hands with soap and water or use a waterless alcohol-based hand rub every time you enter and leave the room. Wash your hands with soap and water at these times:
To Use the Waterless Alcohol-based Hand Rub:
All doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers know they must perform proper hand hygiene before and after touching a patient, after contact with items near the patient, before putting on gloves for a sterile procedure and after removing gloves. It is all right for you to remind them to perform hand hygiene. Before You Leave Your Child’s Room
Parents Who Have Symptoms of TB:
If you have any questions, be sure to ask a member of your child’s healthcare team. Airborne Precautions (PDF) HH-II-177 8/08, Revised 8/17 Copyright 2008, Nationwide Children’s Hospital |