Page 69 - Vessel Sanitation Program 2018 Operations Manual

VSP 2018 Operations Manual

maintain appropriate refrigerant materials to keep clinical specimens cool.
For guidance, see Annex 13.4 of this manual.

4.3.2 Clinical Specimen Submission Collection Procedures

4.3.2.1 When to Collect (02)
When a vessel reaches 2% REPORTABLE AGE in either passengers or
crew members, the medical staff will begin collecting clinical specimens
(stool or vomitus specimens) for bacterial and/or viral analysis. If the
etiologic agent is suspected to be parasitic, the medical staff should
consult with VSP epidemiology staff for clinical specimen collection
requirements.

Specimens should be requested before issuing antibiotic medications,
but this patient treatment should not be contingent on specimen
collection.

Specimens collected after administration of antibiotic medications
must not be submitted for CDC analysis unless directed by VSP.

4.3.2.2 Proper Packing (02)
Before the specimens are PACKAGED and shipped for laboratory
testing, VSP will give instructions to vessel/cruise line medical staff
about the specific container (i.e., bacterial or viral) for transport to a
laboratory.

All clinical specimens must be packed and shipped in accordance with the
guidelines outlined in Annex 13.4. The specimen packaging must include
the proper documentation as required by the receiving laboratory.

4.4 Requirements for Isolating Symptomatic and Primary Contacts
of Crew and Passengers with Gastroenteritis

4.4.1 Crew, Staff, Officers, and Other Employees

4.4.1.1 Isolate Ill Crew

4.4.1.1.1 Symptomatic and Meeting the Case Definition for Acute
Gastroenteritis (AGE) (11 C)
FOOD EMPLOYEES:
• Isolate in cabin or designated restricted area until symptom-
free for a minimum of 48 hours.

• Follow-up with and receive approval by designated medical
personnel before returning crew to work.

4.0 Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) Surveillance; 40