Infection Control Manual-Airborne Precautions, Initiation

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 Initiation

Whenever a disease requiring Airborne Precautions is diagnosed or suspected, the appropriate precautions should be promptly initiated.

Airborne Precautions may be initiated by any of the following individuals responsible for the patient's care:

	Attending or Resident Physician
	Registered Nurse
	Hospital Epidemiologist or Infection Control personnel

In the event that a difference of opinion arises concerning the need for Airborne Precautions, the final decision regarding the institution of control measures will be made by the Hospital Epidemiologist or his/her designated representative.

Documentation
The doctor, nurse, or other individual responsible for initiating airborne precautions will document the following information in the "History and Progress" section of the patient's medical record:

	The date and time that isolation precautions were initiated.
	The patient's diagnosis and/or clinical signs and symptoms which require Airborne Precautions.
	Any microbiology/virology specimens obtained and the results of such laboratory tests if available.

Last modified: January 19, 2001.