TB Prevention and Control:
In addition to AIRBORNE PRECAUTIONS, there are other methods used to prevent transmission of tuberculosis or TB.
“OSHA’s TB Control Plan to Protect Health Care Workers ” consists of (3) levels of protection:
1. Administrative Measures- To reduce the risk of exposure.
2. Engineering Controls- To prevent the spread of TB.
3. Personal Respiratory Protection- To protect staff by use of special masks / respirators
1. Administrative Measures:
Administrative measures include policies and procedures related to prompt:
•Identification- Coughing, fever, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss
•Isolation- If TB is known or suspected
•Treatment- Four-drug regimen, once a day
•Screening- Patient TSTs and staff (annual “TSTs”)
2. Engineering Controls include:
•Negative Pressure Isolation Rooms.
Doors to these rooms must remain closed at all times and the negative pressure is monitored daily.
•HEPA Filtration:
HEPA Filtration is used in certain ventilation ducts to reduce TB droplets from exhaust.
•HEPA Booths or Hoods:
Used during certain patient procedures.
•HEPA Portable Units:Located in Central Services
that can be used temporarily in areas that do not
have negative pressure room such as L&D, ER,
Radiology and Endo. These portable units provides
increase in air exchange and filtration.
“OSHA’s TB Control Plan to Protect Health Care Workers ” consists of (3) levels of protection:
1. Administrative Measures- To reduce the risk of exposure.
2. Engineering Controls- To prevent the spread of TB.
3. Personal Respiratory Protection- To protect staff by use of special masks / respirators
1. Administrative Measures:
Administrative measures include policies and procedures related to prompt:
•Identification- Coughing, fever, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss
•Isolation- If TB is known or suspected
•Treatment- Four-drug regimen, once a day
•Screening- Patient TSTs and staff (annual “TSTs”)
2. Engineering Controls include:
•Negative Pressure Isolation Rooms.
Doors to these rooms must remain closed at all times and the negative pressure is monitored daily.
•HEPA Filtration:
HEPA Filtration is used in certain ventilation ducts to reduce TB droplets from exhaust.
•HEPA Booths or Hoods:
Used during certain patient procedures.
•HEPA Portable Units:Located in Central Services
that can be used temporarily in areas that do not
have negative pressure room such as L&D, ER,
Radiology and Endo. These portable units provides
increase in air exchange and filtration.
3. Personal Respiratory Protection includes:
N-95 Respirators filter particles as small
as one micron in size with an efficiency of 95%.
Annual Fit-testing is required to assure proper seal.
N-95 Respirators filter particles as small
as one micron in size with an efficiency of 95%.
Annual Fit-testing is required to assure proper seal.
3. Personal Respiratory Protection includes:
N-95 Respirators filter particles as small as one micron in size with an efficiency of 95%. Annual Fit-testing is required to assure proper seal.
N-95 Respirators filter particles as small as one micron in size with an efficiency of 95%. Annual Fit-testing is required to assure proper seal.