Guidelines for Reducing Veterinary Hospital Pathogens: Hospital Design and Special Considerations

Joshua A. Portner, DVM, DACVECC, 

Justine A. Johnson, DVM, DACVECC

Compendium

May 2010 (Vol 32, No 5)

Prevention of nosocomial infection begins with the hospital layout and identification of special considerations for particular patients. The construction of a new hospital or renovation of an existing hospital requires careful planning and consideration of the needs of the expected patient population and hospital staff. This article discusses considerations for preventing cross-contamination of pathogens through hospital design, as well as special considerations for particular patients, specifically those in isolation areas and surgical suites.