What infection control measures should be implemented in the practice when dealing with suspected prion disease cases?

Infection control measures for managing patients with suspected prion disease in general practice include:

• Strict adherence to standard infection prevention and control principles: All healthcare workers should be educated and trained in hand decontamination, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe disposal of sharps to prevent contamination NICE CG139.
• Use of appropriate PPE: Gloves, aprons, and other PPE should be worn when there is potential contact with infectious material, and removed carefully to avoid contamination NICE CG139.
• Hand hygiene: Hands must be decontaminated immediately before and after every episode of direct patient contact or care, after exposure to body fluids, and after removal of gloves NICE CG139.
• Safe handling and disposal of instruments and waste: Instruments potentially contaminated with prions require special decontamination procedures, often involving single-use instruments or validated prion decontamination protocols, although specific details are beyond the scope of primary care and should be referred to specialist infection control teams NICE CG139.
• Minimise exposure and contamination risk: Limit the number of healthcare workers exposed to the patient and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures that may increase risk of prion transmission NICE CG139.

Because prion diseases are rare and require specialized infection control measures, general practice should liaise with infection control specialists and public health authorities for specific guidance on managing instruments and environmental decontamination NICE CG139.