SICPs may be insufficient to prevent cross-transmission of specific infectious agents. Therefore, additional precautions known as transmission based precautions (TBPs) are required to be used by staff when caring for patients with a known or suspected infection or colonisation.
TBPs are categorised by the route of transmission of infectious agents. Some infectious agents can be transmitted by more than one route.
Used to prevent and control infections that spread via direct contact with the patient or indirectly from the patient’s immediate care environment (including care equipment). This is the most common route of cross-infection transmission.
Used to prevent and control infections spread over short distances (at least 3 feet or 1 metre) via droplets (greater than 5μm) from the respiratory tract of one individual directly onto a mucosal surface or conjunctivae of another individual. Droplets penetrate the respiratory system to above the alveolar level.
Used to prevent and control infections spread without necessarily having close patient contact via aerosols (less than or equal to 5μm) from the respiratory tract of one individual directly onto a mucosal surface or conjunctivae of another individual. Aerosols penetrate the respiratory system to the alveolar level.
Clinical judgement and decisions should be made by staff on the necessary precautions. This must be based on the:
Appendix 11 provides details of the type of precautions, optimal patient placement, isolation requirements and any respiratory precautions required.
Application of TBPs may differ depending on the setting and the known or suspected infectious agent.
Further information on Transmission Based Precautions can be found in the definitions of Transmission Based Precautions literature reviews.
Last updated: 28 August 2023