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Assessing the risk of vCJD transmission via surgery: an interim review

This paper updates previous analysis of the risks of vCJD being transmitted via re-use of surgical instruments. As before, a scenario-building approach is used, reflecting continuing uncertainties around both the prevalence and transmissibility of the disease. Presents new evidence on key topics notably: the infectivity of various tissues in those incubating vCJD; the amount of tissue liable to remain on instruments after cleaning; the likely effect of autoclaving in reducing the infectivity of these residues; possible mechanisms of vCJD transmission and the possible prevalence of vCJD within the population.