Techniques used in addition to standard precautions that decrease the likelihood of infection by microorganisms transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient or patient care items (e.g., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile). Patients placed on contact isolation should preferably have a private room, but patients may be placed with others infected with the same organism (patient cohort). Hospital workers must wear gloves when entering the room for any reason and gowns if close patient contact is required (e.g., when bathing or turning the patient or caring for wounds). Masks and eye shields are required only if there is a potential for splash or splatter of body fluids onto the face. Stethoscopes and other noncritical patient care equipment should be dedicated to single-patient or patient-cohort use.