airborne isolation


airborne isolation

Any of the techniques used in addition to standard precautions to decrease transmission of infectious agents less than 5 µ in size or those attached to dust particles. Synonym: airborne precaution

Patient care

Patients are placed in a private room, preferably one with negative air pressure and between 6 and 12 changes of air each hour. Hospital workers should wear respirator masks when in the room. If transport is necessary, the patient should wear a surgical mask. Patients with diseases such as active tuberculosis, SARS, varicella, and measles are placed on airborne precautions.

See also: isolation