Failing to Consider TB Potential Root Cause of TB Exposure

Researchers conducting a root-cause analysis of tuberculosis at a tertiary hospital found failing to consider a possible TB infection in patients and ordering the proper imaging and diagnostic protocol for the bacteria was the most common cause of the spread of the infection in a hospital setting, according to a study in the American Journal of Infection Control.

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While examining infection control policies at the hospital, researchers identified 10 protocol errors that occurred across 47 percent of all cases. Of these errors, 70 percent were due to a delayed initiation of airborne precautions. Researchers concluded 80 percent of the errors were avoidable or possibly preventable.

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Researchers suggest considering the possibility of TB in elderly patients with TB risk factors and reviewing imaging studies can reduce the risk of TB infection.

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