Discontinuation of airborne isolation precautions in patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis: balancing safety and efficiency

Abstract

Among 97 patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis, the median (interquartile range) days of airborne infection isolation precautions were 5 (3–9) days when an alternative diagnosis was required, 4 (2.5–6) days when relying only on three negative respiratory smears for acid-fast bacilli, and 4 (3–8) days when applying a hybrid approach.