Korean J Nosocomial Infect Control.  1997 Dec;2(2):131-136.

Tuberculin skin test in newly employed Health Care Workers

• Yoon SW
• Kim OS
• Song JH

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Health care workers(HCWs) are more likely to become infected with tuberculosis from patients in the hospital. When HCWs have an active tuberculosis infection, it is possible that they also become a source of infections to other HCWs and patients.
METHODS
Tuberculin tests were performed with mantoux method using 5 units of tuberculin by infection control practitioners on Feb. 21, and Mar. 7, 1997. A total of 138 newly employed HCWs including 44interns and 94 nurses were tested. Results of skin test were interpreted by themselves according to the instructions.
RESULTS
Among 138 personels, skin tests were negative in 27 personels (19.6%); 4 interns (9.1%) and 23 nurses (24.5%). There were 3 persons (2.2%) who had a history of tuberculosis which had been treated.
CONCLUSION
The study showed that approximately 20% of newly employed HCWs had negative tuberculin skin test. Given the possibility of being infected with tuberculosis in the hospital, regular follow up of tuberculin skin test is warranted to protect HCWs,

Keyword

Newly employed health care workers; Tuberculosis infection; Tuberculin skin test

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care*
Humans
Infection Control Practitioners
Skin Tests*
Skin*
Tuberculin Test
Tuberculin*
Tuberculosis
Tuberculin