What PPE is recommended for aerosol-generating procedures on a patient with suspected airborne infection?

What PPE is recommended for aerosol-generating procedures on a patient with suspected airborne infection?

• A. Surgical mask only.
• B. Cloth mask and gloves only.
• C. N95 respirator or higher, eye protection, gloves, and gown as indicated.
• D. No PPE beyond standard precautions.

Answer: (C)

Airborne precautions are required during aerosol-generating procedures because these actions can release fine particles that stay suspended in the air and be inhaled by anyone nearby. An N95 respirator (or higher) provides the filtration and face seal needed to protect the wearer from those tiny particles, far beyond what a surgical or cloth mask offers. Eye protection is added because aerosols can reach the mucous membranes through the eyes, so goggles or a face shield are important. Gloves and a gown provide a barrier for skin and clothing against contamination from droplets and aerosols. The phrase “as indicated” means following the specific risk assessment and the facility’s protocol for the situation, which typically means using full airborne precautions for aerosol-generating procedures. In contrast, simple masks or no enhanced PPE do not adequately protect against airborne exposure.

Airborne precautions are required during aerosol-generating procedures because these actions can release fine particles that stay suspended in the air and be inhaled by anyone nearby. An N95 respirator (or higher) provides the filtration and face seal needed to protect the wearer from those tiny particles, far beyond what a surgical or cloth mask offers. Eye protection is added because aerosols can reach the mucous membranes through the eyes, so goggles or a face shield are important. Gloves and a gown provide a barrier for skin and clothing against contamination from droplets and aerosols. The phrase “as indicated” means following the specific risk assessment and the facility’s protocol for the situation, which typically means using full airborne precautions for aerosol-generating procedures. In contrast, simple masks or no enhanced PPE do not adequately protect against airborne exposure.