Transmission-based precautions

Transmission-based precautions are a set of infection control protocols used in healthcare to prevent the spread of diseases that can be acquired by contact with moist body substances, airborne particles, droplets, and contaminated items.

Pronunciation

• Transmission: /trænsˈmɪʃən/
• Based: /beɪst/
• Precautions: /prɪˈkɔːʃənz/

Etymology

The term "Transmission-based precautions" is derived from the English language. "Transmission" comes from the Latin word "transmissio", meaning "to send across or over". "Based" is derived from the Old English "bæsian", meaning "to establish as a base". "Precautions" comes from the Latin word "praecautio", meaning "to guard against".

Types of Transmission-based precautions

There are three types of Transmission-based precautions: Contact Precautions, Droplet Precautions, and Airborne Precautions.

Contact Precautions

Contact precautions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms by direct or indirect contact. Direct contact transmission occurs when there is physical contact between an infected person and a susceptible host. Indirect contact transmission occurs when there is contact with a contaminated intermediate object in the patient's environment.

Droplet Precautions

Droplet precautions are designed to reduce the risk of droplet transmission of infectious agents. Droplet transmission occurs when the droplets containing microorganisms are propelled a short distance through the air and deposited on the host's conjunctivae, nasal mucosa, or mouth.

Airborne Precautions

Airborne precautions are designed to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of infectious agents. Airborne transmission occurs when infectious agents are carried by dust suspended in the air.

Related Terms

• Infection Control
• Healthcare-associated Infections
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Hand Hygiene

See Also

• Standard Precautions
• Isolation (health care)

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Transmission-based precautions
• Wikipedia's article - Transmission-based precautions

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