Infection Control · single question
What is correct about OSHA and Tuberculosis in the workplace?
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Correct answer: B. Healthcare workers should have 1 tuberculin skin test every year
Healthcare workers should have 1 tuberculin skin test (or QuantiFERON-Gold) every year (B). OSHA and CDC require annual TB screening for HCWs in high-risk settings (hospitals, dental offices, long-term care facilities).
• Annual testing detects new TB infections (conversions) indicating recent exposure.
• A 'converter' (baseline negative → positive) requires further workup: chest X-ray, clinical evaluation, and potentially INH prophylaxis for latent TB.
• Option A: TB is reported to the local public health department, NOT OSHA. OSHA handles occupational safety regulations; TB reporting goes through the public health system.
• TB is covered under OSHA's General Duty Clause (must provide safe workplace) and specific respiratory protection standards — separate from bloodborne pathogen standards (which cover HBV, HCV, HIV).
• Annual testing detects new TB infections (conversions) indicating recent exposure.
• A 'converter' (baseline negative → positive) requires further workup: chest X-ray, clinical evaluation, and potentially INH prophylaxis for latent TB.
• Option A: TB is reported to the local public health department, NOT OSHA. OSHA handles occupational safety regulations; TB reporting goes through the public health system.
• TB is covered under OSHA's General Duty Clause (must provide safe workplace) and specific respiratory protection standards — separate from bloodborne pathogen standards (which cover HBV, HCV, HIV).
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