Avoid transport of an active TB patient if possible.
If transport is necessary17:
- The active TB patient must wear a surgical mask when leaving the AII room to prevent spread to others, and HCWs who are transporting should consider using an N95 respirator.
- An active TB patient must bypass the common waiting area.
- Ensure that patients with suspected or confirmed infectious TB disease who must be transported to another area of the setting or to another setting for a medically essential procedure bypass the waiting area and wear a surgical or procedure mask, if possible. Drivers, HCWs, and other staff who are transporting persons with suspected or confirmed infectious TB disease might consider wearing an N95 respirator. Schedule procedures on patients with TB disease when a minimum number of HCWs and other patients are present and as the last procedure of the day to maximize the time available for removal of airborne contamination.
17. Jensen PA, Lambert LA, Iademarco MF, Ridzon R; CDC. Guidelines for preventing the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in health-care settings, 2005. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2005;54(RR-17):1-141. Accessed November 8, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5417a1.htm
