Does a hospital patient have to be isolated and the appropriate hygiene measures initiated as soon as tuberculosis is suspected?

The working group "Hospital & Practice Hygiene" of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) recommends the following procedure in case of suspected tuberculosis (TB).

The staff needs to wear a multi-layered face mask.
The patient needs to be instructed not to cough directly at anyone and to cover their mouth and nose with a cloth when coughing.
Rapid diagnostic clarification
Thorough room ventilation
Wipe disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces

References:
AWMF (2006) Infektionsverhütung bei Verdacht auf und bei diagnostizierter Tuberkulose (Tb). Hyg Med, 31 (3): 103-105. (Guideline currently under review.)

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Knowledge Database

The A-to-Z database provides information on each pathogen, the most common infections that it triggers, its main transmission paths and recommendations on disinfection. In the glossary, you will find explanations of infection control terms. Search now!

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