What are Transmission-Based Precautions?

Transmission-Based Precautions are additional precautions implemented for patients who are known or suspected to be infected with highly transmissible or epidemiologically important pathogens that pose a risk of transmission through direct or indirect contact, droplet, or airborne routes. These precautions complement Standard Precautions, which are applied to all patients, regardless of their infection status.

The purpose of Transmission-Based Precautions is to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings by using specific strategies tailored to the mode of transmission of the pathogen in question. For example, contact precautions may involve the use of gloves and gowns to prevent contact with infectious agents, while droplet precautions may require the use of masks to shield staff and other patients from respiratory droplets. Airborne precautions may necessitate specialized ventilation systems or respirators.

In contrast, Standard Precautions, while essential for all patients, are not specific to infectious diseases and do not provide the tailored response required for managing particular infectious agents. Guidelines for laboratory safety focus on practices to minimize risk when dealing with specimens and pathogenic materials, and measures to enhance patient nutrition do not relate to infection prevention practices. Therefore, the definition of Transmission-Based Precautions as additional precautions for patients with infectious diseases is accurate and essential in infection control protocols.