Transmission Based Precautions
- Glossary
1.1.1 Airborne precautions: A group of transmission-based precautions to prevent
the spread of airborne pathogens. Airborne precautions are measures used to
prevent, and control infection spread without necessarily having close patient
contact via aerosols from the respiratory tract of one individual directly onto
a mucosal surface or conjunctivae of another individual.
1.1.2 Airborne transmission: The spread of infection from one individual to
another by airborne particles (aerosols) less than 5
μm in diameter containing infectious
agents. Airborne particles are very small particles that may contain infectious
agents. They can remain in the air for long periods of time and can be carried
over long distances by air currents. Airborne particles can be released when an
individual coughs or sneezes, and during AGPs. ‘Droplet nuclei’ are aerosols
formed from the evaporation of larger droplet particles (see droplet
transmission). Aerosols formed from droplet particles in this way behave as
other aerosols. Aerosols can penetrate the respiratory system to the
alveolar level.
1.1.3 Cohort: Place two or
more patients (a cohort) with the same confirmed infection by pathogen in
the same room/ward. A cohort area should be physically separate from other
patients.
1.1.4 Colonization: The presence of microorganisms on a body surface
(such as the skin, and mucus membrane)
that does not cause disease in the person or signs of infection.
1.1.5 Contact transmission: The spread of infectious agents from one person to
another by contact. When spread occurs through skin-to-skin contact, this is
called direct contact transmission. When spread occurs via a contaminated
object, this is called indirect contact transmission.
1.1.6 Contaminated: The presence of an infectious agent on a body
surface; also, on or in clothes, bedding, surgical instruments or dressings, or
other inanimate articles or substances including water and food.
1.1.7 Cough etiquette/respiratory
hygiene: Measures that are taken to
minimize the spread of respiratory infections to others.
1.1.8 Droplet precautions: Measures used to prevent, and control infections
spread over short distances (at least 1 meter) via droplets larger than 5 or 10 µmfrom
the respiratory tract of one individual directly onto a mucosal surface or
conjunctivae of another individual. Droplets penetrate the respiratory system
to above the alveolar level.
1.1.9 Droplet transmission: The spread of infection from one individual to another
by droplets containing infectious agents.
1.1.10 High-touch
surfaces: Surfaces, often in patient care areas, that are frequently
touched by healthcare workers and patients (e.g. overbed table, IV pole,
doorknobs, medication carts).
1.1.11 Immunocompromised patient/individual: Any individual whose immune response is reduced or
deficient, usually because they have a disease or are undergoing treatment.
Individuals who are immunocompromised are more vulnerable to infection.
1.1.12 Infection: Invasion of the body by a harmful organism or
infectious agent such as a virus, parasite, bacterium or fungus.
1.1.13 Standard infection control
precautions (SICPs): SICPs are the basic
IPC measures necessary to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious agents
from both recognized and unrecognized sources of infection. Sources of
(potential) infection include blood and other body fluids secretions or
excretions (excluding sweat), non-intact skin or mucous membranes and any
equipment or items in the care environment that could have become contaminated.
1.1.14 Transmission-based precautions
(TBPs): Additional precautions to be used
in addition to SICPs when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed
infection or colonization that could be transmitted by contact, droplet or
airborne routes.
1.1.15 Personal protective equipment (PPE): Equipment an individual wears to protect themselves
from risks to their health or safety, including exposure to infection agents.
The level of PPE required depends on the:
● suspected or confirmed infectious agent
● severity of the illness caused
● transmission route of the infectious agent
● procedure or task being undertaken