Definitions for "CONTACT PRECAUTIONS"
The use of specific work practices and personal protective equipment to control the spread of infection through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. Direct contact means any physical contact between an infected and non-infected person. Indirect contact means any contact between a non-infected person and any object that has been infected through contact with an infected person.
Standard Precautions plus placing the patient in a private room or with someone with the same infection, if possible; using gloves when entering the room; changing gloves after contact with infective material; using gown when entering the room if contact with patient is anticipated or if the patient has diarrhea, a colostomy, or wound drainage not covered by a dressing; limiting the movement or transport of the patient form the room; ensuring that patient care items, bedside equipment, and frequently touched surfaces receive daily cleaning; dedicating use of noncritical patient-care equipment, to a single patient, or cohort of patients with the same pathogen - if not feasible, adequate disinfection between patients is necessary. See also airborne precautions; disinfection; Standard Precautions.
Work practices to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious agents by direct or indirect contact with an infectious person.