Hi Dr Thanassi and everyone, we are exploring switching from TST’s to QFT for our annual screening. For those who have made the switch, what do you do for exposures? We have had exposures that have affected
large numbers of staff and patients. Do you do QFT tests on all them? Do you use TST’s at all in these situations? Do you use the same timeline for post-exposure testing as with the TST? I have heard anecdotes of late converters w/ QFT. Thanks for any
guidance and wisdom! Best, Tim
Tim Crump, MSN, FNP
Tim Crump, MSN, FNP
Family Nurse Practitioner
Occupational Health
Healthcare Human Resources
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd
Mail code: UHN 89
Portland, OR 97239-3098
Department Phone: 503-494-5271
Office Phone: 503-346-1152
Fax: 503-494-4457
Email: crumpt@ohsu.edu
Tues, Thurs, Fri, 8-4:30
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From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces@mylist.net]
On Behalf Of Thanassi, Wendy
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 2:22 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Subject: Re: [MCOH-EH] [EXTERNAL] Growing Pains for Centralized Employee Health
Hello,
You elucidate well some of the problems with PPD and solutions that are gained by using a 1-stop, electronically captured blood test (IGRA). In January 2009 we switched all TB surveillance testing to QuantiFERON
and our workload decreased precipitously, our onboarding delays dropped in parallel, and tracking was no longer an issue.
Every PAVA employee and volunteer has a standing order for a QFT at-will. They are sent an email to report DIRECTLY to the lab (we don’t even place an order) on their birth month (but can go any time) and the
lab will draw the QFT. I has worked beautifully for the pat 8 years.
Wendy
Chief, OH
Palo Alto VA
National Led, TB
VHA OH
Washington DC
From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces+wendy.thanassi=va.gov@mylist.net]
On Behalf Of Weaver Meredith
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 12:58 PM
To: 'mcoh-eh@mylist.net'
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [MCOH-EH] Growing Pains for Centralized Employee Health
We are facing the challenges of providing employee health services to healthcare system that is growing a very rapid pace. New clinics, off-site locations, and departments are being added monthly, if not weekly. I have two questions for
the group.
1.
One of our greatest challenges is in administering our tuberculosis testing program. We currently place PPDs based upon the designated month for the employee’s department. It is becoming more and more difficult to manually update and
maintain a list that is then tied to our electronic employee health record. How do you administer your TB program? Do you designate testing by department by month, by the employee’s birth date, etc.? What challenges or advantages have you seen with your
particular program method?
2.
If your healthcare system has gone through or is going through rapid growth, how have you managed providing fitness for duty testing and exposure management follow up to your off-site employees? Do you outsource, contract with other
hospitals, travel, etc.?
/
Meredith R. Weaver, SHRM-CP
Manager, Employee Health
WVU Medicine
PO Box 8120
Morgantown, WV 26506-8120
Phone: 304-598-4000 ext. 77719
Clinic: 304-598-4160
Fax: 304-598-4957
WVUMedicine.com
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