Where should suspected contaminated patients be cohorted in a hospital?

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The main idea is to limit the spread of infection by using a controlled, dedicated space. Suspected contaminated patients should be placed in a designated isolation area or unit where infection control measures are specifically applied and can be consistently followed. This setup allows proper ventilation management, use of appropriate personal protective equipment, and dedicated staff and equipment, all aimed at preventing transmission to non-exposed patients and to other parts of the hospital. It creates a protected zone with strict isolation precautions tailored to the suspected contamination, whether airborne, droplet, or contact. Placing them on standard patient floors, in the emergency department waiting room, or in any available bed would mix exposed and non-exposed individuals and environments, increasing the risk of spread. Hence, the safest and most effective approach is the designated isolation area or unit with appropriate infection control measures, separate from non-exposed patients.