Droplet precautions are infection control measures designed to prevent the spread of certain respiratory illnesses. These precautions are implemented in healthcare settings and other environments where there is a risk of transmitting pathogens through larger respiratory droplets. The primary goal is to create a barrier that limits the movement of infectious agents from an infected individual to others. Understanding these measures helps protect both individuals and the wider community from the spread of common respiratory infections.
How Droplet Transmission Occurs
Respiratory droplets, small particles of saliva or mucus, are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets carry infectious agents and are expelled from the mouth and nose. While they are larger than airborne particles, they can still travel a short distance through the air. These droplets typically travel approximately 3 to 6 feet (about 1 to 2 meters) before gravity causes them to fall onto surfaces or be inhaled by another person. Transmission occurs when these virus-laden droplets land on the mucous membranes of another person’s eyes, nose, or mouth, or are indirectly transferred through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Specific PPE for Droplet Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) forms a physical barrier against these infectious droplets. Surgical masks are a primary component, designed to cover the nose and mouth, preventing the release of droplets from an infected individual and blocking the inhalation of large droplets by the wearer. These masks act as a filter, reducing the spread of pathogens during activities like sneezing or coughing.
Eye protection, such as goggles or face shields, is also used to safeguard the mucous membranes of the eyes. Infectious droplets can enter the body through the eyes, so this protection prevents direct exposure to splashes or sprays. Face shields offer broader coverage for the entire face, including the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Gloves are worn to prevent direct contact with the infected person or potentially contaminated surfaces. They create a barrier for the hands, reducing the risk of transferring pathogens. Gowns protect clothing and skin from contamination by splashes or sprays of body fluids or contact with contaminated surfaces. The specific combination of PPE might vary based on the situation and guidelines from health authorities.
Step-by-Step PPE Use
Properly putting on, or “donning,” PPE is essential to ensure maximum protection. The process begins with thorough hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand rub or by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This step minimizes the transfer of microorganisms from hands to the PPE.
After hand hygiene, the gown is put on, ensuring it covers the torso and extends to the knees, with sleeves that fit snugly at the wrist. The gown should be secured at the neck and waist.
Next, the surgical mask is placed over the nose and mouth, molding the nose piece to fit securely and tying or looping the straps behind the head or ears. Eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, is donned after the mask, adjusting it to fit comfortably and securely over the eyes and face. Finally, gloves are put on, extending them over the cuffs of the gown to create a continuous barrier and prevent exposure of the wrists.
Safe Removal and Disposal of PPE
Removing, or “doffing,” PPE safely is as important as donning it to prevent self-contamination. The process should occur in a designated area. The first items to be removed are typically the gloves, using a “glove-in-glove” technique to avoid touching the contaminated outer surface.
Immediately after glove removal, hand hygiene should be performed. The gown is then removed, carefully rolling or folding it inside out to contain any contaminants, and discarding it into a designated waste bin. Another round of hand hygiene follows gown removal.
Eye protection is removed next by handling the headband or side arms, avoiding touching the front surface, and placing it in a designated receptacle for disposal or reprocessing. The mask is the last item to be removed, grasping the ties or elastic bands from behind the head or ears and lifting it away from the face without touching the front.
All contaminated PPE should be placed into a designated hazardous waste bin, often clearly labeled for biohazard materials. A final thorough hand hygiene completes the doffing process.