Isolation Precautions
Standard Precautions
Applied to all patients, regardless of diagnosis or infection status.
Key components:
- Hand hygiene (before and after patient contact)
- PPE (gloves, gown, mask, eye protection) based on anticipated exposure
- Sharps safety (no recapping; proper disposal)
- Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
- Safe injection practices (aseptic technique; single-use vials)
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection
Transmission-Based Precautions
| Type | PPE Required | Room | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contact | Gown, gloves | Private room (or cohort) | MRSA, VRE, C. diff, scabies, herpes simplex, impetigo |
| Droplet | Surgical mask within 6 feet | Private room (or cohort) | Influenza, Pertussis, Meningococcal meningitis, Mumps, Rubella, adenovirus |
| Airborne | N95 or PAPR | Negative pressure room | TB, Measles, Varicella, COVID-19 (per facility protocol) |
| Protective/Reverse | Mask, gown for visitors; staff per protocol | Positive pressure room | Immunocompromised, neutropenic patients |
PPE Donning Order
- Hand hygiene
- Gown
- Mask or respirator
- Eye protection (goggles or face shield)
- Gloves
PPE Doffing Order
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Gown
- Mask or respirator
- Hand hygiene
Hand Hygiene
5 Moments for Hand Hygiene (WHO):
- Before patient contact
- Before aseptic/clean procedure
- After body fluid exposure risk
- After patient contact
- After contact with patient surroundings
Alcohol-based hand rub: Preferred when hands not visibly soiled; effective against most pathogens.
Soap and water: Use for C. diff (spores not killed by alcohol); visibly soiled hands; after using toilet.