Scientists say they have developed a detergent wash that reduces the possibility of brain disease CJD being transmitted during operations. Researchers at University College London say it could be available in hospitals by the end of the year. There has been concern the proteins thought to cause CJD are not destroyed by routine sterilisation. It is believed when people unknowingly harbouring CJD have surgery, it could be passed to others via instruments. Scientists tried 400 combinations of chemicals and found one that destroyed the prion proteins thought to cause the human form of mad cow disease, or BSE, to the point where they were undetectable. Surgical instruments will only need to be soaked in the solution for an hour. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is working on guidelines for surgeons to help minimise the risk of transmitting CJD infections through operations.
