Contact Precautions

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Infection Prevention and Control for Healthcare Personnel. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Contact Precautions

Examples of conditions/illnesses when contact precautions are used include:
  • Multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). Examples include:
    • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
    • Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis or faecium (VRE)
  • Draining wounds
  • Scabies
  • Viral pathogens
  • Stool incontinence  
Contact precautions include the use of Standard Precautions, PLUS:
  • Gowns and gloves for direct contact with patient or the patient's environment
  • Use of dedicated equipment or clean equipment
  • Cleaning of room with emphasis on high-touch items
ALL healthcare workers involved in the care of patients on contact precautions must wear gowns and gloves for direct contact with the patient or the patient's environment (eg, during bathing, transfer, taking vitals, examination, drawing blood, etc.).
Transporting patients on contact isolation
Before leaving a contact isolation room:
  • Ensure that the patient's wounds or lesions are covered.
  • Dress the patient in a clean hospital gown.
  • BOTH the transporter and the patient must perform hand hygiene immediately prior to leaving the room.
The transporter does NOT wear a gown, gloves, or mask when transporting a patient on contact isolation precautions.