Which PPE is required for airborne precautions such as TB?

• A. N95 respirator
• B. Surgical mask
• C. Gloves
• D. Gown

Answer: (A)

Airborne precautions target inhalation of small aerosolized particles, which can linger in the air. TB is transmitted this way, so protecting the wearer’s lungs with a respirator that filters small particles is essential. An N95 respirator provides tight fit and filters at least 95% of airborne particles when properly worn and seal-checked, making it the appropriate protection for TB exposure. A surgical mask doesn’t seal to the face and isn’t designed to filter aerosols, so it doesn’t offer adequate protection against airborne pathogens. Gloves and a gown shield skin and clothing from contact with contaminated materials but don’t prevent inhalation of aerosols, so they aren’t the key PPE for airborne transmission (even though they’re used for other routes of transmission and contamination control). In many settings, eye protection and environmental controls are also considered, but the defining item for airborne precautions is a properly fitted respirator such as an N95.