Patient Isolation and De-Isolation

Isolation precautions are one of the tools hospitals use to prevent the transmission of infectious disease among patients. The Department of Infection Prevention and Control receives many questions regarding isolation precautions and there are several online resources available to answer these questions:

The Isolation Grid informs healthcare workers on what type of isolation to use on patients for given infections and conditions
The Isolation Policy offers instructions on how to initiate isolation precautions for a patient
The De-Isolation Grid gives guidelines on when and how to discontinue isolation for a patient
The Transmissions-based Isolation Policy outlines the differences between the different types of precautions
All OHSU staff are expected to follow the Standard Precautions Policy for all patients

Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

When caring for a patient in airborne isolation precautions, healthcare workers may need to wear a powered air purifying respirator, or PAPR (see Transmission Based Airborne Precautions for more information on when to use a PAPR). Here is training information on using or maintaining a PAPR:

Training for PAPR users

Training for departments that store, supply, and maintain PAPR units

PAPR battery and airflow check documentation form

PAPR training certificate

Isolation and Visitor Door Cards

Placement of an Isolation Door Card is required as soon as a patient is placed in isolation precautions and is the responsibility of the nurse initiating isolation precautions. Isolation door cards are routinely stocked in the isolation cart. The door cards may also be printed from the Infection Control manual in the OHSU policy system using the links provided below. The door cards are color coded and a color printer is required. If no color printer is available in your area, contact the Department of Infection Prevention and Control and we will send you new signs.