Content Status
Type
Linked Node
Low-risk TB Laboratories
Learning Objectives-
H5Content
Content
Depending on the procedural risk in the TB lab, the lab is classified into low, moderate and high-risk categories.
Low-risk TB laboratories work on sputum specimens for:
- Direct Acid-fast Bacilli (AFB) smear microscopy
- Cartridge-based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT)/ Truenat
Figure 1: Procedures Conducted in a Low-Risk TB Lab
- Procedures that involve direct microscopy or killing of the mycobacteria before microscopy are taken up in these labs.
- These labs have a low risk of generating infectious aerosols from specimens and a low concentration of infectious particles.
Features and Essential Minimum Biosafety Measures of Low-risk TB Labs
1. Space requirements
- Bench spaces should be separated from areas used to receive specimens and administrative areas used for paperwork and telephones.
- Ensure adequate ventilation; it is important to maintain natural or mechanical, directional airflow with 6-12 air changes per hour (ACH). Workstations are optional solutions.
2. Procedural requirements
To minimize the generation of aerosols:
- Carefully open specimen containers.
- Air-dry smears and use a flame to fix them.
- Use disposable wooden sticks or transfer loops.
For the handling of leaking specimen containers: Discard and request a fresh sample.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements
- Protective laboratory coats should be worn at all times in the laboratory.
- Gloves must be worn for all procedures that involve direct contact with potentially infectious materials.
- Gloves should not be reused.
- Staff should always wash their hands before leaving the laboratory.
- Respirators are optional.
Figure 2: Challenges in a Low-risk TB Lab that Increase the Risk of Infection
Resources
Kindly provide your valuable feedback on the page to the link provided HERE
Page Tags
LMS Page Link
Content Creator
Reviewer
- Log in to post comments
Comments
Figure 1 doesn't seem…
Dr. Priyadarshini Sun, 14/01/2024 - 13:19
Figure 1 doesn't seem relevant to the text or must be elaborated in the description. Figure 2 can be a separate slide