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

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Max Blumberg, MD, MPH

UCSF Associate Medical Director Occupational Health Services

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