[MCOH-EH] Laboratory screening and vaccinations appropriate for hospital contractors (not HCP)

[Thrasher, Terri (Terri)]

We do not require hep b unless you are going to be working with patients, human cell lines, blood etc.   So for plumbers …if they are working on drains or in dialysis then we require it

The vendor is responsible for doing fit testing if required for the position

MMR is given depending on the time they will be there…if more than 1 month or over the course of the year
TB… everyone gets tb tested

Varicella if working in patient care

Drug screen on anyone we give a badge to


From: MCOH-EH [mailto:mcoh-eh-bounces at mylist.net] On Behalf Of Grubbs, Scott
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 5:26 PM
To: MCOH/EH <mcoh-eh at mylist.net>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Laboratory screening and vaccinations appropriate for hospital contractors (not HCP)

We are trying to come up with a rational approach to screening contractors who come into the hospital – plumbers, electricians, other trades.  Most of them will only be working the hospital for relatively short periods of time.

We are considering the following:

1: Hepatitis B surface antibody titer and offer the first vaccination if not immune

2: Respirator fit test

3: Measles, mumps and rubella:  Titers indicating immunity or proof of two  MMR vaccinations

4: Tuberculosis:  Negative T-spot, or negative Two-step PPD (TST)

5: Varicella: Titer indicating immunity or proof of two varicella vaccinations

6: 10-panel drug screen

Overall, the panel seems defensible.  I am curious if your institution has a similar approach?

(The one question I have at the moment is the need for the Hepatitis B surface antibody testing/vaccination.  Contractors should not be having direct patient contact, so the chance of transmitting/contracting Hepatitis B seems remote.  However, I wonder if Hepatitis B surface antigen would make more sense, because if they get injured, they might bleed and be a source of transmission of Hepatitis B. )

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Scott Grubbs, MD
WorkWell Occupational Health
Greenville, SC





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