Isolation Basics and Stats

Type of Isolation Used for Pathogens That Equipment Needed Use For
Contact Can be spread by direct contact; often contaminate the environment Gloves, gowns upon entering the room (Even if no patient contact is expected) MRSA*, VRE*, scabies, C. difficile, mutlidrug resistant Gram- negative organisms, rotavirus, RSV, varicella (+ Airborne)
[* if wound that i sunable to be covered]
Droplet Require close contact for transmission Surgical masks; gloves if handle secretions Influenza, N. meningitidis, pertussis, parvovirus
Airborne Can be transmitted via airborne route N95 respirator upon entering the room; Patient must be in negative pressure room Pulmonary TB (confirmed or suspected), varicella (+ Contact), smallpox, measles

To discontinue Airborne isolation, contact Infection Prevention.

NOTE: Contact Precautions indicate that gloves and gowns are worn upon entry to the room (regardless of anticipation of contact with the patient or his or her environment).

Algorithm for removal from Airborne Precautions: download PDF

Removal from airborne isolation scheme

Negative Pressure Rooms

See list (HERE) - Updated June 2023

Positive Pressure Units

VUH: 11 North, 10T3
MCJCHV: 6A, Rooms 5311 and 5312
Off campus HEPA units contact info:

Williamson county area: Shelly Wolf (615) 875-5463, Lynn Price (615) 202-8899, Located in Family Practice clinic, Medcore building.

One Hundred Oaks: Plant ops 2-2041, located in the North Box cage of OHO.

Air Exchange Information

See list (HERE)