contact precautions

con·tact pre·cau·tions

(kon'takt prĕ-kaw'shŭnz) Procedures that reduce the risk of spread of infections through direct or indirect contact. Transmission occurs with physical contact of the infected patient or handling of a contaminated object in the infected patient's room. Masks, gowns, and gloves as well as standard precautions (q.v.) must be used by health care providers when in the infected patient's room.