Contact Precautions

Contact Precautions must be instituted for all VRE+ patients, regardless of colonization or infection.

Patient Placement
Place VRE-colonized or infected patients in a private room or cohort with another VRE patient. However, a patient with more than one resistant organism should not be cohorted with a patient with only a single resistant organism (e.g., a patient colonized with VRE and MRSA should not be placed in a room with a patient only colonized with VRE).

Gowns/Gloves
Prior to entering the room of a VRE patient, one must don both a gown and gloves even if the healthcare worker does not touch anything in the room. Gown and gloves must be worn for all contact with the VRE patient and their equipment/environment. Gloves should be changed while caring for the patient if they become soiled (e.g. contact with stool, sputum, etc.) or if one moves from a dirty to a clean task.

Gowns and gloves must be removed before exiting the patient's room. Ensure that after removal of gown/gloves and/or handwashing that clothing and hands do not come in contact with environmental surfaces potentially contaminated with VRE (e.g., door knob, curtain, etc.).

Handwashing is essential to prevent VRE transmission. Hands should be washed for a minimum of 15 seconds using an antimicrobial soap immediately after the removal of gloves, gowns, and other protective equipment.