Rapid method for the sensitive detection of protein contamination on surgical instruments

Current Infection Control Recommendations for Prion Disease; A Difficult Problem for the Deployed Personnel of the Armed Forces

“…However, iCJD has now been shown to be transmitted through tissue transplants, blood transfusions, and contaminated surgical equipment (6)(7)(8). Because, of their affinity for stainless steel and superior resistance to current sterilization techniques used on surgical equipment, novel approaches for deactivation of prions should be addressed in the prevention of spreading nosocomial infections (24). Staying up-to-date on novel diagnostic tools available for the detection of prion seeding activity will also assist in preventing transmission.…”

“…The assays that have been used to detect residual PrPsc on stainless steel after exposure to infected tissue are histopathology, immunohistochemistry, western blot, scanning electron microscopy, and protein analysis (10,22,24). The result from the experiments demonstrated that decontamination of surgical equipment, i.e., stainless steel, remains an issue (24).…”

“…The result from the experiments demonstrated that decontamination of surgical equipment, i.e., stainless steel, remains an issue (24). In fact, prion proteins were harder to remove from stainless steel surfaces than other surfaces that were analyzed especially after the tissue had dried to the surface (22).…”

“…Researchers have exposed different infected samples to a range of heat and time intervals and evaluated the infectivity and structural integrity of the protein. Times ranges from 15 minutes at 600°C to 24 hours at 160°C (24). All heats and time intervals were unable to inactivate the protein completely.…”

“…All heats and time intervals were unable to inactivate the protein completely. At 600°C, the protein structure was retained in an inorganic fossilized skeleton which was still able to convert PrP into PrPsc (24). Finally, gaseous hydrogen peroxide under vacuum conditions has been shown to be most effective in eliminating prion proteins from hardware (25).…”