How often is a TB Mask Fit Testing done?

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OK, so who knows how often this REALLY has to be done?

My hospital recently instituted annual fit testing, which seems pointless unless you gain or lose a whole bunch of weight, grow a beard or otherwise change the size and shape of your face. I was last fit-tested in 1999, and to be honest, even the prospect of doing it even ONE more time sends me into orbit, as I am EXTREMELY claustrophobic and dang near lost it the last time they put that plastic hood over my head.......I don't have a problem wearing the respirator itself, just being tested for the right size. :uhoh21:

Assuming I can't get out of it (and that's a pretty good assumption), is there ANY other way to do fit-testing? I was ready to run for the Ativan this afternoon when I got the notice that I had to make an appointment for it, and I'm hyperventilating just thinking about it........it's embarrassing to be such a wuss, but if you put me in the middle of the Houston Astrodome and I couldn't get out, I'd panic!! So the plastic thingie over the head and face is not something I deal with very well......HELP!! :o

Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

From my days as Infection Control, children are not contagious because they do not aerosolize the infectious particles the way adults do.

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Specializes in Urgent Care.

I just got my letter yesterday. I could have sworn I just did it in the fall.

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prmenrs said:
From my days as Infection Control, children are not contagious because they do not aerosolize the infectious particles the way adults do.

There is now a nurse that is positive after taking care of this infant. So who knows for sure? And with an oscillator vent, ?????? There is no vent on the back to trap anything.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Long Term Care.

I believe our hospital is fit-testing once/year now. I'm not normally claustrophobic, but with the combination of the mask and hood when I was first tested years ago at a different hospital, I thought I'd lose my mind-- feeling that I couldn't breathe with the tight mask and closed in "cone". I remember mentally reciting the 23rd Psalm to get through it since it seemed to last FOREVER.

However, I was fit-tested in the past 6 months and it wasn't bad at all. It took less than 30 seconds (I hope the tester did it right.) The one from years ago semed to last 10 times longer-- can't remember what all was done. But this time was a cinch, and I hope yours will be just as easy. (And an Ativan wouldn't hurt, either. :) )

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
RN-PA said:
I believe our hospital is fit-testing once/year now. I'm not normally claustrophobic, but with the combination of the mask and hood when I was first tested years ago at a different hospital, I thought I'd lose my mind-- feeling that I couldn't breathe with the tight mask and closed in "cone". I remember mentally reciting the 23rd Psalm to get through it since it seemed to last FOREVER.

However, I was fit-tested in the past 6 months and it wasn't bad at all. It took less than 30 seconds (I hope the tester did it right.) The one from years ago semed to last 10 times longer-- can't remember what all was done. But this time was a cinch, and I hope yours will be just as easy. (And an Ativan wouldn't hurt, either. ? )

Thanks for commiserating.........I wish I COULD take an Ativan, but I've got to go to work right after the test and can't be running the floor with my brain turning to mush!! ?

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I am not claustraphobic however, subjecting nurses to inhaling carcingen sprays to prove a mask fits is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of! When will nurses ever take a stand together and stop allowing these types of practices to take place on their bodies? I have never had TB or a positive test even before these "respirator" masks were created! Any type of drug inhalant is harmful to the body...even in small amounts.There is TB all over the world...in grocery stores, elevators, etc should we be wearing these masks and doing fit tests on everyone in public? Lets find a reasonable way that isn't harmful to our health. Inhalants should be banned in the testing of these masks. The long term effect will not be recognized until it is too late.:yeah:

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What does a fit test certification include? What does obtaining a certification involve? Where can i find out more about this testing and wheer is a good palce to go to get certified. Can t be done on line??? thanks

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