VASF Outpatient Tuberculosis Evaluation

Evaluation of a patient with possible tuberculosis in the outpatient setting

1. Provide the patient with a surgical (isolation) mask and instruct them to keep it on over their
   nose and mouth at all times while in the facility.
2. The patient should not stay in a shared waiting area and instead should be brought to a wellventilated
   space, such as a room with an open window or HEPA filter.
3. If an exam room under negative pressure is not available in the clinic, then the patient should
   be promptly assessed in a private room.
   1. Ideally, total visit time should be under five hours.
   2. After the patient leaves, keep the room empty with the door closed for one hour to allow
      full air exchange to occur.
4. N95 respirators shall be worn by any staff interviewing, testing or transporting patients with
   signs or symptoms of active TB.
5. Limit patient movement throughout the facility, e.g. draw labs in exam room, have prescriptions
   called ahead for expedited patient pick up or delivered to the patient.
6. If the patient cannot produce expectorated sputa samples (see video link below) then you can
   place an order for sputum induction at Ft Miley. You will need to call Respiratory Therapy
   (x24475) in addition to placing the induction order.
7. Instruct the patient to wear an isolation mask while out in public.

8. Please ensure the patient’s contact information is updated in CPRS (ideally 2 means of
   contact).

   
   Resources:
   SF TB Clinic: (628) 206-8524
   Sputum collection video for patients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs9DWzuvXUc
   SF TB clinic links: https://www.sf.gov/tuberculosis-resources-for-health-professionals