ASK YOURSELF: How can I protect myself from TB?- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
ASK YOURSELF: How can I protect myself from TB?- BWH Bulletin - For and about the People of Brigham and Women's Hospital
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September 8, 2000
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In This Issue:
A New Dimension
New rounds focus on human side of care
Blood Challenge Continues
ASK YOURSELF: How can I protect myself from TB?
National Respiratory Care Week
PIKE NOTES
Tuberculosis (TB) is a concern for health care workers who are at an increased risk for exposure due to their contact with patients. In the 1990s, the number of TB cases in the United States began to rise because of the increased number of people who have problems with their immune system or are from countries where TB is common. Patients suspected or known to have active TB must be placed in a negative pressure isolation room. Respiratory precautions should be maintained at all times. If these patients leave their rooms for any reason, they should wear a mask. Staff with direct contact with a patient who has TB are required by OSHA regulations to be medically cleared by Occupational Health Service to be fit tested for a TB respirator mask. Fit testing is done through the Environmental Affairs Department to ensure safe use of the respirator. A respirator is always used when entering a patient’s room and is left in the anteroom before exiting the patient’s room. Annual TB screening is required by OSHA and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for all BWH staff and volunteers. For staff with a history of a negative skin test reaction, a TB skin test is administered and must be read 48 – 72 hours after placement. For staff with a history of a positive skin test, a review of TB symptoms is completed. For additional information regarding medical clearance for TB respirator use or TB screening, call Occupational Health at ext 6034. To be fit tested for a TB respirator mask, call Environmental Affairs at ext 7016.