Tuberculosis patients must be kept in rooms that are?

For patients with tuberculosis (TB), it is essential to maintain a safe environment to prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause this infection. Keeping TB patients in rooms that are under negative pressure relative to the surrounding areas is critical.

Negative pressure rooms are designed to draw air into the room from adjacent spaces, rather than allowing it to flow out. This ensures that any airborne bacteria released through coughing or breathing are contained within the room, minimizing the risk of transmission to other areas of the facility. This containment is vital particularly in healthcare settings where patients may be at elevated risk of exposure.

Additional infection control measures, such as adequate ventilation and the use of ultraviolet (UV) light systems, can enhance the safety of the environment, but the primary and most crucial requirement for TB patient isolation is the negative pressure setup. This design is a standard practice in managing airborne infectious diseases, ensuring that the health of both patients and healthcare workers is protected.