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
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)
Published May 2010
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Alerts/statements
Published 31 Januery 2011
Updated 5 February 2010
Download the 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)
Frequently asked questions and useful links
The frequently asked questions section is specifically aimed to provide more information to healthcare workers.
Useful links
- CJD Incidents Panel – information on the work of the CJD Incidents Panel and how to report a CJD incident
- Health and Safety Executive – HSE information and guidance on biological hazards at work
- Defra – information on BSE and other TSEs
- Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee
- National CJD Surveillance Unit
Contact
For queries regarding the ACDP TSE Risk Management Subgroup guidance, please see the Frequently asked questions section on this page. If this does not answer your question, please contact the ACDP Secretariat at the address below.
Note for healthcare workers: Please make sure you seek advice locally regarding the infection control precautions to be taken for specific patients with or at risk of CJD/vCJD before contacting the ACDP Secretariat. The Secretariat cannot provide clinical advice.
ACDP Secretariat
Health Protection Agency
61 Colindale Avenue
London
NW9 5DF
