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