Positive air pressure is used in which context within infection control?

Positive air pressure is used in which context within infection control?

• A. More air going in than leaving.
• B. More air leaving than entering.
• C. Equal in/out.
• D. No air movement.

Answer: (A)

Positive air pressure means the space is held at a higher pressure than surrounding areas. Because air moves from high pressure to lower pressure, air tends to flow out of the room when doors or gaps exist. This outward airflow creates a net effect of more air leaving than entering, helping prevent contaminants from entering the space and protecting the occupants inside. This setup is used for settings where the goal is to keep outside contaminants out, such as protecting immunocompromised patients.

Positive air pressure means the space is held at a higher pressure than surrounding areas. Because air moves from high pressure to lower pressure, air tends to flow out of the room when doors or gaps exist. This outward airflow creates a net effect of more air leaving than entering, helping prevent contaminants from entering the space and protecting the occupants inside. This setup is used for settings where the goal is to keep outside contaminants out, such as protecting immunocompromised patients.