title: Prion diseases--an evidence-based protocol for infection control.
abstract: Prion diseases are fatal, infectious, neurodegenerative disorders with special implications for infection control in the OR. The causative agent is highly resistant to disinfection and sterilization processes and has been transmitted during health care interactions. It is important to use evidence gained through research and case reports to minimize risk of infection. This article describes an infection control protocol developed for identifying high-risk patients, providing perioperative care, decontaminating the OR, and protecting health care personnel. This protocol provides multidisciplinary team members with a guideline for preventing transmission of these fatal diseases.
authors.affiliation: Intensive and Surgical Services, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA.
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Steelman
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D007484:Iowa; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D017096:Prion Diseases / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D012307:Risk Factors