We are currently reviewing our policy on this.
I have discussed this with the CJD surveillance unit in Edinburgh and they
suggest that the risk from blood samples is likely to be low. BUT they
concede that so little is known about the infectivity of the agent they
recommend that analysis is done under Cat II containment conditions.
They also suggest that each case be discussed with the requesting physician
so that analyses and risk to staff can be kept to a minimum.
I am told the DOH are also reviewing this with view to coming up with
suitable policies and recommendations. However I am also told that they have
only recently engaged in this work and therefore we may have to wait some
time before we get anything official.
The Unit suggest also that the above precautions would apply to CSF, but
disposable counting chambers should be used in any cellular work.
Don't know if this helps or not, but it is very unclear at present.
- Ian Barlow
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ukneqas [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, March 09, 2001 10:42 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Query CJD
>
> Can I ask what labs do if they receive a blood sample for analysis if the
> form says Query CJD.
>
> Les White
|