Page updated 9 October 2007
4.0. Clinical Investigations
Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic departments in the hospital (neurophysiology, neuroradiology, etc) routinely follow procedures to minimise the risk of cross-infection from patients with undiagnosed, preclinical prion disease. Where a patient has confirmed prion disease, these departments follow different procedures which add considerably to their workload. For invasive procedures, instruments must not be reused but will be discarded.
Pathology Tests
Precautions are taken in the transport system and in the laboratories to reduce the risk of harm to staff from all pathological specimens as far as possible.
Pathological Specimens
"High-risk" or "Danger of Infection" stickers must be affixed to all request forms and specimen containers from patients known to have or suspected of having prion disease.
