HC Deb 10 March 2004 vol 418 cc1617-8W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish his Department's guidance on the reuse of surgical instruments after brain biopsies. [158515]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Guidance on the reuse of surgical instruments after brain procedures, including biopsy, on patients known to have, or be at risk of CJD is already published in "Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy agents: safe working and the prevention of infection". This guidance, endorsed by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens, is available at the Department's website at: www.dh.gov.uk/ PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAndSocialCareTopics/CJD/CJDGeneralInformation/CJDGeneralArticle/fs/ en?CONTENT ID = 4031067&chk = 4gOe2r. A copy is also available in the Library.