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Table 3-7

TypeDefinitionEquipmentClinical Applications
Standard precautions Reduce the risk of transmission of infection from all recognized and unrecognized sources of infection (formerly termed universal precautions )
  • Gloves
  • Protective eyewear
  • Gown
  • Mask
  • Blood
  • Body fluids
  • Secretions
  • Excretions
  • Any break in skin or mucous membranes
Airborne precautions Reduce the risk of airborne transmission of infectious agents transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei
  • Special air handling systems
  • Ventilation systems: HEPA filter masks, N95 respirator
  • Measles
  • Varicella
  • Tuberculosis
Droplet precautions Reduce the risk of airborne transmission of infectious agents transmitted by large-particle droplets
  • Surgical mask
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b
  • Meningitis
  • Pertussis
  • Streptococcal pharyngitis
  • Scarlet fever
Contact precautions Reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents by direct client contact or indirect contact with contaminated items in the client’s environment
  • Gloves
  • Gown
  • Enteric infections
  • Skin/wound infections
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Herpes simplex
  • Impetigo
  • Viral hemorrhagic conjunctivitis