Contact Precautions are a type of transmission-based precaution used to prevent the spread of infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patients environment. These precautions are used for patients with known or suspected infections that represent an increased risk for contact transmission, such as those colonized with certain infectious agents. Examples of infections that require Contact Precautions include MRSA, VRE, diarrheal illnesses, open wounds, RSV, and Clostridium difficile.

When caring for patients on Contact Precautions, healthcare personnel should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and a gown for all interactions that may involve contact with the patient or potentially contaminated areas in the patients environment. They should also prioritize cleaning and disinfection of the patients room, focusing on frequently-touched surfaces and equipment in the immediate vicinity of the patient.

It is important to note that Contact Precautions are just one type of transmission-based precaution, and the specific type of precaution used depends on the type of infection or pathogen the patient has. Other types of transmission-based precautions include Droplet Precautions and Airborne Precautions.