Which protective equipment is essential for healthcare workers when TB is suspected?

• A. N95 respirator
• B. Surgical mask only
• C. Hairnet
• D. No special equipment

Answer: (A)

TB is transmitted through airborne particles that can linger in the air, so protecting healthcare workers requires airborne precautions. An N95 respirator is essential because it filters at least 95% of small airborne particles and creates a tight seal to the face, preventing inhalation of TB aerosols. A surgical mask only blocks larger droplets and does not seal to the face or filter fine droplet nuclei, so it doesn’t provide adequate protection against TB. A hairnet offers no protection against inhalation of aerosols, and no special equipment would leave staff unprotected. In practice, don the properly fitted N95 before entering the room, use airborne isolation and other PPE as indicated, and follow correct donning and doffing procedures with hand hygiene.