7.9 Appendix 2 - Sanitary Precautions/Disinfectants

Scrapie is not considered to be a human pathogen; however, normal sanitary precautions against a possible range of pathogens should be taken. Wear protective clothing, gloves and face protection when collecting brain specimens. Always avoid direct contact with brain tissues. Personnel at tissue harvesting sites should take precautions to avoid ingestion of the agent.

It is recommended that a disposable plastic drop sheet be used on which to place the animal's head. The sheet should be large enough to cover the work area.

1. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) can be purchased from Fisher Scientific in crystal form. To make a 2 Molar concentration of NaOH, dilute 80 grams NaOH crystals in one litre of water and stir well.
2. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) can be prepared from industrial grade or commercially available bleach (such as Javex). Dilute the bleach to provide a final concentration of 2% (20,000 ppm) available chlorine. For example, most commercially available bleaches have 6% available chlorine listed on the label. In this case, mix one part bleach and two parts water (ratio 1:2) to attain the 2% concentration of available chlorine. Used disposable protective clothing, gloves, and animal remains should be buried or incinerated.

   Chemical decontamination of equipment and work surfaces with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl at a concentration of 2% available chlorine) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH at a concentration of 2 Molars) is recommended. Surfaces and equipment should be left wet (or soaking) with NaOCl or NaOH for at least one hour.

   It is recommended that neurosurgical tools be soaked in NaOH for one hour, removed from the solution, and then wiped with the NaOCl solution for 10 seconds. Dry the tools as the NaOCl is corrosive.

Note: Other traditional disinfectants such as VIRKON are NOT effective against prion agents. Disinfection of instruments must be done with either sodium hypochlorite or sodium hydroxide.

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