HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview the Hospital failed to adhere to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB).

The CDC Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings 2005, indicated that Bronchoscopy (a procedure where a tube is inserted into a patient's main airway to visualize the lungs) can result in the transmission of TB through the airborne route and to implement and maintain environmental controls,including AII (Airborne Infection Isolation) room(s). An AII room is designed with special engineering controls (negative air pressure, dedicated exhaust and increased air changes per hour) to reduce the risk of transmission of TB to patients and employees.

The Assistant Manager of Operating Room Services was interviewed at 10:15 A.M. on 5/6/15. The Assistant Manager of Operating Room Services said diagnostic broncoscopies were routinely performed in the Operating Room.

The Infection Preventionist was interviewed at 10:15 A.M. on 5/6/15. The Infection Preventionist said she was aware that the Operating Room was positive pressure and not the recommended area for diagnostic bronchoscopies. The Infection Preventionist said the Hospital had an AII room which was located directly outside of the Operating Room but was used as a procedure area but not for brionchoscopies.