What must occur if a laboratory employee has a positive PPD test for tuberculosis?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist Test with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes explanations to enhance your understanding. Ace your exam on the first attempt!

If a laboratory employee has a positive PPD test for tuberculosis, the appropriate step is to ensure that the individual undergoes an annual chest x-ray examination. This procedure is vital for assessing the status of the individual's health regarding tuberculosis. A positive PPD test indicates exposure to the TB bacteria, not necessarily an active infection. The chest x-ray helps determine whether the individual has active or latent TB.

In healthcare settings, regular monitoring is essential to ensure that potential cases of active TB are identified early, thus preventing the spread of the disease. This is also aligned with guidelines from health organizations that emphasize the importance of annual screening and evaluation in at-risk populations, including laboratory workers.

The other choices do not align with standard protocols for handling positive PPD tests. For instance, while reporting to occupational health authorities is important for documentation, immediate reporting to OSHA is not required for a positive PPD result specifically. Mandatory isolation is not necessary unless the person is confirmed to have active TB disease; isolation is typically reserved for confirmed cases to prevent transmission to others. Lastly, re-testing every six months is not a standard practice; instead, annual evaluations including chest x-rays are the norm to monitor for potential progression to active disease.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy