Tuberculosis

[michael777d]

I recently performed a Ventilation Perfusion scan on a patient who has TB. The equipment I used had a one time use only filter placed on the tubing that enters machine that dispenses the imaging agent. The filter is guaranteed to filter out all bacteria and viruses 99%. Is it necessary to remove all the tubing that carries air into and out of the machine. Do I risk cross contaminating other patients?

[mrsibew]

I would err on the side of safety and say yes, replace . I am a DOT provider (direct obseervation therapy ) for the county and give meds to TB patients. I have to be fitted for a mask that seals off all outside air except what goes through the filter.They used to say that TB lived outside the host for at least 2 hours and are now saying that it can live up to 8 hours. That's why I have to wear a mask when I go into a contagious TB patients home. I can only go in for 15 min at a time and then have to step out, take off my mask and breath for a few minutes and then go back in. In hospitals if a patient is admitted they put them in a nonventilated room because the TB can be carried through the vent systems. So to use these filters and tubes on a contagious ( was this person contagious?) TB patient, would make me feel that others using it directly after them in the above mentioned time period would be at risk.If they have TB it pays to ask and know if they are contagious or not. If they aren't there is no danger to the general public. Once they have gone through the isolation period and been deemed clear for the public, they pose no danger to the public . But during the contagious stage, I would err on the side of caution at all times.