JCAHO Essential Education Information

JCAHO Essential Education Information on Infection Control - Tuberculosis Exposure Control

The VCUHS has developed a Tuberculosis Exposure Control Plan with the primary goal of early detection, isolation, and state-of-the-art treatment for people with active TB.

TB is spread when a person with active TB disease of the lung or voice box coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings spraying bacteria-contaminated nuclei into the air.

Nuclei remain suspended in the air and are inhaled by someone sharing the same space
More easily transmitted in closed air spaces where ventilation is poor

TB germ enters the lung where it becomes encapsulated and contained, but it can spread to other parts of the body

A person will develop a positive skin test in 2-10 weeks
Positive skin test DOES NOT mean a person has active disease
Positive skin test DOES mean the person has been exposed to the organism
90-95% of people with a positive skin test will never develop disease
Development of active TB disease depends on the person’s overall health, lifestyle, and immune system

Symptoms of TB

Controlling the spread of TB in the hospital

PPD’s or Furified Protein Derivative (PPD) skin test

Placed upon employment
Place at least yearly
High-risk patient care areas are skin tested more frequently – check with your manager

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