Isolation

Isolation separates an infected or colonized client and uses barriers to prevent transmission to others. The type is matched to how the organism spreads: airborne infections (TB, measles, varicella) need a negative-pressure room and an N95 respirator; droplet infections (influenza, pertussis) need a private room and a surgical mask; contact infections need gowns and gloves. These transmission-based precautions are always layered on top of standard precautions for any known or suspected infection.