Which facility practices would be important in preventing airborne transmission of diseases?

Preventing airborne transmission of diseases requires specific environmental controls that can effectively manage and filter the air in clinical settings. Special air filters and negative pressure rooms are critical in these situations because they are designed to limit the spread of infectious airborne particles. Negative pressure rooms maintain a vacuum that prevents air from flowing out into the hallway, thereby containing pathogens. This is particularly important for diseases like tuberculosis, which can be transmitted through the air. The use of specialized air filtration systems, such as HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, enhances this control by trapping and removing airborne pathogens from the environment.

While standard precautions, regular hand washing, and personal protective equipment are essential practices for overall infection control, they do not specifically address airborne transmission as effectively as specialized air handling techniques and facilities. High-tech surgical instruments, while important in surgical settings, do not pertain to the prevention of airborne infections. Therefore, the focus on air filters and negative pressure rooms directly ties to establishing a safe environment against airborne pathogens.