Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CBIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Airborne isolation is required for patients with tuberculosis (TB) because TB is primarily transmitted through airborne particles. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release droplets containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis into the air. These droplets can remain suspended for extended periods and can be inhaled by anyone nearby, leading to potential transmission of the infection.

Airborne isolation protocols are designed to prevent the spread of infectious agents that can be transmitted over long distances through the air. This includes placing the patient in a negative pressure room, ensuring that the air in the room is not recirculated, and the use of specialized masks (such as N95 respirators) for healthcare workers who may come into contact with the patient. This type of isolation helps to protect other patients, visitors, and healthcare staff from becoming infected.

In contrast, contact isolation is used for infections that spread through direct contact with the patient or their environment, while droplet isolation is appropriate for pathogens spread through larger respiratory droplets over short distances. Standard isolation applies to all patients but does not provide the specific protections required for airborne diseases like tuberculosis. Thus, airborne isolation is the necessary and appropriate precaution for managing patients with TB.