The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual is an evidence-based online IPC resource for Scottish health and care settings, supported by systematic literature reviews. The 2020 ‘Transmission Based Precautions Definitions’ literature review was due for update, and in light of COVID-19 pandemic scientific debate, an opportunity to re-evaluate and scrutinize the foundational concepts of respiratory transmission was taken.

On 3 August 2026, new TBP guidance was launched with three systematic literature review updates published (surgical masks, respiratory protective equipment and TBP definitions) and a number of changes being made across both the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual (NIPCM) and the Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual (CHIPCM).

Changes to guidance include i) removal of the terms 'droplet' and 'airborne' ii) respiratory precautions no longer being determined based on particle size or transmission distance but rather severity of outcomes iii) the term 'aerosol generating procedure' no longer being used and iv) removal of the AGP list. 

Read the updated  Transmission Based Precautions guidance  and supporting resources in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual.

A detailed  ‘What’s Changed?’  document is also available, summarising amendments across the NIPCM and Care Home Infection Prevention and Control Manual.

Further details can also be found here: National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: News