Precautions to be Undertaken for TB Diagnostic Specimen Collection, Transport and Receipt

All healthcare workers need to take the following precautions while undertaking the TB diagnostic specimen collection, transportation and receipt of samples as TB is an airborne infection:

1. There is the risk of transmission of tuberculosis infection occurring in health care facilities, including the laboratory when patients remain undiagnosed and untreated for tuberculosis.
2. The specimen needs to be collected in an aseptic environment, preferably in open space.
3. The collection area should be well-ventilated with adequate air exchanges (>12 per hour).
4. The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material related with cough etiquette needs to be displayed in all TB related setting including Designated Microscopy Centres/ Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing Centres/ Culture Drug Susceptibility Testing laboratories.
5. Use of closed room, toilet and Outpatient Department area should be avoided while collection of sputum sample by a patient.
6. The slides once used should not be reused; same is applicable for thermocol boxes.
7. The contaminated materials should be safely disposed off.
8. The Triple Layer Packaging needs to be monitored at all levels; at point of exit and point of reception.
9. Leakage and broken thermocol boxes should be avoided and samples should be discarded in case of leakage.
10. While transportation, cold chain needs to be maintained.
11. The sample handlers should use proper personal protection equipment, including gloves, masks and gowns.
12. Use of mask, preferably N95, while receipt of samples and during processing in laboratories.
13. Healthcare workers should be provided with adequate waste disposal bins as per Biomedical Waste Guidelines and it should be utilized on regular basis.
14. Soap, sanitizer and handwash should be available to all dealing with collection, transportation and receipt of samples.
15. Those with symptoms suggestive of TB should not be involved in these key activities and should undergo a complete diagnostic workout.

Resources

• Training Module (1-4) for Program Managers and Medical Officer, NTEP, MoHFW, 2020.

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