[MCOH-EH] Prions

[Max Blumberg]

Hi MCOH team,

We recently had an unusual situation with a sharps exposure to prion-like
agglutinating proteins in a research lab that led us to revisit our prion
exposure policy. Historically our university lab safety team has
recommended submersion of a sharps-exposed hand in 4% NaOH for 2 minutes
followed by copious flushing with water. Our hospital infection prevention
team has raised the question whether this is a wise recommendation given
the caustic potential of the strong base and the lack of published
guidelines with such a recommendation or published cases of occupational
sharps exposure leading to prion illness. Any advice at other institutions
is appreciated!

Max

-- 
Max Blumberg, MD, MPH
UCSF Associate Medical Director Occupational Health Services
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