Infection Control Manual, Airborne Precautions

Airborne Precautions
	Introduction
	Specifications
	Initiation
	Documentation
	Visitor Instructions
	Patient Transport
	Waste Removal
	Emergency Situations
	Food and Nutrition
	Discontinuation of Airborne Precautions
	TB Prevention/Control

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Yale New Haven Hospital
QISS
GB 325
New Haven, CT
06504 USA

Dr. Jeff Topal
688-4634


Airborne Precautions

Patients who have or may have an infectious disease that is spread by the airborne route must be placed on Airborne Precautions in addition to Standard Precautions. Airborne Precautions (formerly respiratory isolation) applies to most infections which were previously classified as requiring "Strict," "AFB," and "Respiratory" isolation under the old category-specific system of isolation precautions.

Diseases Requiring Airborne Precautions

Tuberculosis, Pulmonary (or laryngeal)
-suspected or confirmed

Criteria for Using Airborne Precautions for a Patient Suspected or Confirmed to Have Pulmonary Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

Varicella (chickenpox)
[requires use of Contact Precautions as well]

Herpes Zoster (shingles) - in an immunocompromised patient
[requires use of Contact Precautions as well]

Herpes Zoster (shingles) - disseminated
[requires the use of Contact Precautions as well]

Rubeola (Measles)

Note: Airborne Precautions require a negative pressure room in addition to a private room. Negative pressure rooms are specially designed to prevent the flow of air from the room into the corridors and common areas where susceptible persons may be exposed. This is accomplished through fans and vents that direct the airflow outside of the building and/or through HEPA filters.

Last modified: February 27, 2001.