Before entering a room of a patient on airborne precautions for tuberculosis, which type of personal protective equipment is recommended?

• A. N95 respirator or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
• B. Surgical mask
• C. Gown and gloves only
• D. Face shield and splash protection only

Answer: (A)

Airborne infections like tuberculosis require protection that filters the air you breathe. A properly fitted respirator is needed to prevent inhaling small, airborne particles. An N95 respirator filters at least 95% of airborne particles when worn with a good seal, and a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) provides even higher protection and comfort in some cases.

Surgical masks do not seal to the face and are not designed to filter small airborne particles, so they won’t protect you from TB. Gowns and gloves protect skin and clothing from contact transmission, not inhalation. Face shields protect the eyes from splashes but do not filter inhaled air, so they don’t substitute for respiratory protection.

So, before entering, wear a fit-tested N95 respirator or a PAPR, and perform a seal check to ensure proper protection.