Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Contact precautions prevent transmission of infections spread through direct physical contact with the patient or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces and equipment. Direct contact transmission occurs when microorganisms transfer from an infected person to another through touching, bathing, or performing procedures. Indirect contact occurs through contaminated intermediate objects (fomites) such as bed rails, call lights, stethoscopes, and blood pressure cuffs. Key contact-transmitted organisms include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Clostridioides difficile, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), scabies, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Contact precautions require gloves and gown for all interactions involving contact with the patient or their environment. Dedicated patient-care equipment should remain in the room and be disinfected after use.