Guidance from the ACDP TSE Risk Management Subgroup (formerly TSE Working Group)

As part of its remit the ACDP TSE Risk Management Subgroup produces the guidance document Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents: safe working and the prevention of infection. The aim of the guidance is the minimisation of the risk of transmission of CJD, and vCJD. The current guidance was published in June 2003, replacing the March 1998 edition. The guidance has evolved in the years since, with new annexes being added and current guidance being updated as further scientific information becomes available, or future policy decisions need to be reflected Latest news Published 10 January 2012 Annex A1 Distribution of TSE infectivity in human tissues and body fluids Published 31 January 2011 CJD guidance for ophthalmologists – joint statement: RCOphth and Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens TSE Working Group (replaced February 2011) Part 4 Infection control of CJD, vCJD and other human prion diseases in healthcare and community settings (updated January 2011) Annex E – Quarantining of surgical instruments (updated January 2011)  Annex F – Endoscopy (updated January 2011) Annex J – Assessment to be carried out before surgery andor endoscopy to identify patients with, or at risk of, CJD or vCJD (updated January 2011) Annex L – Managing CJDvCJD risk in ophthalmology (updated January 2011) Alerts/statements Published 31 Januery 2011 CJD guidance for ophthalmologists – joint statement: RCOphth and Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens TSE Working Group Updated 5 February 2010 Alert to urological surgeons regarding the equipment used for patients at risk of vCJD requiring transrectal prostatic biopsy Guidance Annex G – Decontamination of other specialised equipment  is currently being revised. Part 1: Introduction (Published – 2 June 2003) Part 2: Health and Safety management of TSEs (Published – 2 June 2003) Part 3: Laboratory containment and control measures (Published – 15 December 2003 Part 4 Infection control of CJD, vCJD and other human prion diseases in healthcare and community settings (updated January 2011) Annex A1: Distribution of TSE infectivity in human tissues and body fluids (Published -2 June 2003, updated – 13 December 2010) Annex A2: Distribution of infectivity in animal tissue and body fluids (Published – 2 June 2003 , updated – 6 August 2010) Annex B: Diagnostic criteria (Published- 2 June 2003, updated  22 October 2008) Annex C: General principles of decontamination and waste disposal (Published – 16 November 2009) Annex D – Transport of TSE-infected material (Published – December 2003, updated 23 January 2009) Annex E – Quarantining of surgical instruments (updated January 2011) Annex F – Endoscopy (updated January 2011) Annex H: After death (Published – 2 June 2003, updated May 2010) Annex I: Outline protocol for management of instruments and tissues from brain biopsy procedures on patients with progressive neurological disorders (Published: 2005, updated May 2007) Annex J – Assessment to be carried out before surgery andor endoscopy to identify patients with, or at risk of, CJD or vCJD (updated January 2011) Annex K: Guidelines for pathologists and pathology laboratories for the handling of tissues from patients with, or at risk of, CJD or vCJD (Published – March 2009) Annex L – Managing CJDvCJD risk in ophthalmology (updated January 2011) Information sheet for funeral directors, relatives and others following a CJD death (Published – May 2007) Consensus statement from the BSG Decontamination Working Group and the ACDP TSE Working Group (Published – November 2005, updated 2 June 2008)