Infection Control in Health-Care Settings

Abstract

This information sheet discusses infection control measures for health care settings to ensure prompt detection, take airborne precautions, and treat persons with suspected or diagnosed tuberculosis infection. It suggests that policies and procedures for TB control should be developed, reviewed periodically, and evaluated to minimize transmission risk. The information sheet presents an overview of TB infection control based on a three-level hierarchy of control measures: administrative measures, use of environmental controls, and use of respiratory protective equipment in situations that pose a high risk of exposure to the TB bacteria. It discusses determining the infectiousness of TB patients and when to discontinue airborne precautions. Contact information is provided for additional resources.