المحتويات
New staff should undergo a baseline assessment. This includes:
- BCG status (BCG scar check)
- Tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA)
- Chest x-ray (CXR)
- HIV test
In addition, the following information should be provided:
- Risk of occupational transmission of M. tuberculosis
- Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to reduce the risk of transmission
- Higher risk of active TB in immunocompromised individuals (e.g. persons with HIV infection, with diabetes) and in pregnant women
- Vigilance required for, and self-reporting of, signs and symptoms suggestive of TB
Immunocompromised staff and pregnant women should not work in TB units or areas where the risk of exposure to M. tuberculosis is high (Chapter 14).