Need advice on TB infection control in dialysis center

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Please, someone advise me on the infection control guideline for tuberculosis in settelite dialysis center. My dialysis pt's husband is contracted with TB. He used to stay with her wife just sitting near her during her dialysis. He will spend around 2 to 3 hours inside the clinical area and only about 1 hr outside and at the waiting area. He is positive for TB now. My nurse manager said no action is needed as we can not place the patient (his Wife) in the isolation room because she is not the one with TB. We all staff have the concern of TB transmission. Just recently, 2 Nurses from other DC contracted with TB from their patient. Please kindly advise me what we should do. So much appreciation for your kind suggestions. Thank you.

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Specializes in hemo and peritoneal dialysis.

The husband should wear a tested N-95 face mask from the time he gets out of the car til he gets back in. If he complains and wants to remove the mask, explain in as nice a way as possible, that they will have to find another facility.

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The husband should wear a tested N-95 face mask from the time he gets out of the car til he gets back in. If he complains and wants to remove the mask, explain in as nice a way as possible, that they will have to find another facility.

No. N-95 masks are NOT for patients, as they are not fit-tested to the patient or family member. Family and patients wear surgical duck masks.

It strongly depends on the TB type, location, hx of treatment. If it is not active TB, no need to isolate/ masks. Extrapulmonary TB is iffy, truly depends on hx and location. Active pulmonary TB, no current treatment? Hand the guy a surgical mask and pray PHS is following.

We discharge active TB infected pts back to their homes and communities all the time. How? Why? Because they've completed a certain amount of treatment (usually 2 weeks) and the risk of transmission is very low. PHS follows to ensure ongoing treatment compliance.

Do more research before refusing life- saving treatment to his wife.

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Please, someone advise me on the infection control guideline for tuberculosis in settelite dialysis center. My dialysis pt's husband is contracted with TB. He used to stay with her wife just sitting near her during her dialysis. He will spend around 2 to 3 hours inside the clinical area and only about 1 hr outside and at the waiting area. He is positive for TB now. My nurse manager said no action is needed as we can not place the patient (his Wife) in the isolation room because she is not the one with TB. We all staff have the concern of TB transmission. Just recently, 2 Nurses from other DC contracted with TB from their patient. Please kindly advise me what we should do. So much appreciation for your kind suggestions. Thank you.

How did you discover that he has TB? Is he being treated? Perhaps you and your coworkers should get tested? Contact your Public Health workers (through your County or state or city) so they can help him get treatment and try to trace back to where he was exposed.

Masks.

Public Health needs to be involved so they can protect not only staff but other patients.

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