I have been guided by the following publications:
1. Advisory Committee on dangerous Pathogens Spongiform Encephalopathy
Advisory Committee. Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Agents: Safe
working and the Prevention of Infection. (1998) The Stationery Office, The
Publications Centre, PO Box 276, London SW8 5DT. Telephone: 0870 600 5522.
(Cost IR£13.75: purchased in Dublin, Ireland)
2. Richard M, et al. Protection of personnel and environment against
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in pathology laboratories. Clin Exp Path 1999:
47:192-200
3. Fishman M, et al. Prevention of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in healthcare
workers: A case study. Am J Infect Control 1998; 26:74-79.
In summary: the highest risk is associated with nervous tissue; CSF has
low infectivity; Recommended decontamination in the event of spillage
involves soaking with 2M sodium hydroxide solution for one hour. As it may
be several months before a CJD is suspected, general adherence to standard
infection control procedures is recommended.
Dr Nuala McCarroll
Principal Biochemist
Department of Clinical Biochemistry
St James's Hospital
Dublin 8
-----Original Message-----
From: John Whitfield [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 03 August 2001 02:53
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Transmissable spongiform encephalopathies: laboratory
precautions
How do people handle specimens from patients with suspected TSEs such as
CJD or vCJD? My feeling is that the universal precautions are the most
appropriate approach, but there is the problem that the infectious agents
are probably not sensitive to the usual methods of decontamination. Also,
if there are official procedures or guidelines we have to comply with them
even if they don't seem very rational, in this age of legislation and
litigation.
Maybe our UK contributors have thought this one through and have a specific
policy for avoidance of laboratory-acquired prion diseases?
John Whitfield
Clinical Biochemistry
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Sydney, Australia
Phone (+61) 2 9515 5246
Fax (+61) 2 9515 7931
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