🧴 Infection Control
Isolation Precautions Quick Reference
CDC isolation precaution categories — standard, contact, droplet, airborne — with required PPE and common conditions.
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Standard Precautions
| Test / Parameter | Normal Range | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | ALL patients | Every patient, every encounter. |
| Hand Hygiene | Before/after patient contact | ABHR or soap and water. C. diff: soap and water only. |
| PPE | Based on anticipated exposure | Gloves for any contact with blood/body fluids. Gown, mask, eye protection as needed. |
| Sharps | Safety devices, no recapping | Needleless systems. Sharps containers. |
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Contact Precautions
| Test / Parameter | Normal Range | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PPE Required | Gown + Gloves | Don on entry, remove before exit. Hand hygiene after. |
| Room | Private or cohort | Dedicated equipment (stethoscope, BP cuff, thermometer). |
| Common Conditions | MRSA, VRE, C. diff, RSV, scabies, lice | C. diff: soap and water (ABHR ineffective against spores). |
| Transport | Only if essential | Cover infected areas. Clean transport equipment after. |
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Droplet Precautions
| Test / Parameter | Normal Range | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PPE Required | Surgical Mask + Gown + Gloves | Mask within 3–6 feet of patient. |
| Room | Private or cohort | Door may remain open (droplets don't travel far). |
| Common Conditions | Influenza, meningococcal, pertussis, mumps, rubella, RSV (pediatric) | Pneumonia (mycoplasma). Group A strep. |
| Transport | Surgical mask on patient | Notify receiving department. |
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Airborne Precautions
| Test / Parameter | Normal Range | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PPE Required | N95 Respirator + Gown + Gloves | Fit-tested N95 required. Surgical mask insufficient. |
| Room | Negative pressure, door CLOSED | ≥12 air changes/hr. Keep door closed at all times. |
| Common Conditions | TB, measles, varicella, disseminated zoster, COVID-19 (aerosol-generating) | Susceptible staff should not enter if immune. |
| Transport | Surgical mask on patient, N95 on nurse | Minimize time outside room. |
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Protective (Reverse) Isolation
| Test / Parameter | Normal Range | Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PPE Required | Per facility protocol | Protects IMMUNOCOMPROMISED patient from staff/visitors. |
| Room | Positive pressure | Filtered air. No plants (Aspergillus). No fresh flowers. |
| Common Patients | Neutropenic (ANC <500), transplant, burns | Strict hand hygiene. Screen visitors for illness. |
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