Embalming bodies that have been autopsied Embalming bodies of CJD patients who have been autopsied can also be safely performed. Adherence to standard infection control measures is paramount when embalming an autopsied body of a suspected or clinically diagnosed CJD patient. Autopsies on these individuals are often restricted to removal of the brain; therefore, special precautions should be taken, Bodies of autopsied CJD patients Bodies of autopsied CJD patients should be placed on a waterproof sheet to collect all fluids. It is strongly recommended that disposable instruments, masks, gowns, and puncture- resistant gloves be used whenever possible. The entire body All disposable instruments, materials, and wastes that come in contact with high infectivity tissues (brain, spinal cord, and eyes) and low infectivity tissues (cerebrospinal fluid, kidneys, liver, lungs, lymph nodes, spleen, and placenta) of suspected or confirmed transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, or TSE, patients should be disposed of by incineration. Surfaces Casketing and viewing Staff should avoid unnecessary manipulation of the body that would force purging of body fluids and risk opening of incision sites. If warranted, the casket can be lined with a leakproof sheet. An open casket for viewing should not be prohibited. Terminal disinfection and waste removal According to the WHO infection control guidelines for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (report of a WHO consultation, Geneva, Switzerland, 23-26 March 1999), all collected fluids should be disinfected by adding 40 grams of sodium hydroxide pellets per liter of collected fluid. The mixture should be stirred after a few minutes and care should be taken to avoid spillage, as the fluid will be hot. It should then be left undisturbed for at least one hour, after which it can be disposed of like other mortuary waste. Plastic sheets and other disposable items that have accidentally become contaminated should be flooded with sodium hydroxide or bleach, left undisturbed for at least one hour, then (using gloves) mopped up with absorbent Final disposition – Cremation and burial There are no special interment, entombment, inurnment, or cremation requirements for patients with CJD. Interment of bodies in closed caskets does not present a significant risk of environmental contamination, and cremated remains can be
including placing a plastic sheet with absorbent wadding and raised edges underneath the head to ensure containment of fluids and prevent any spillage. In instances where sutures do not completely control leaking, the cranial cavity should be packed with absorbent material that has been soaked with bleach and tightly sutured.
should be washed with bleach, rinsed, and sanitized before dressing. Special care should be taken to limit fluid leakage when performing restorative work on a CJD patient. All fluids should be collected in a suitable container. Decontaminating heat-sensitive instruments or materials that come in contact with suspected or confirmed CJD patients
and heat-sensitive reusable instruments that come in contact with high infectivity and low infectivity tissues should be decontaminated by flooding with or soaking in 2N NaOH or undiluted sodium hypochlorite for one hour and rinsed with water. CDC NOTE: Sodium hypochlorite may be corrosive to some instruments (CDC, 2021a).
However, if an autopsy has been performed, family members of CJD patients should be advised to avoid superficial contact, such as touching or kissing the patient’s face, with the body.
disposable rags, and surface swabbed with water sufficient to remove any residual disinfectant solution. Work surfaces can be disinfected by flooding with undiluted bleach. Although the use of disposable instruments is preferred, reusable instruments and tools can be cleaned and disinfected by using CJD sterilization protocols recommended by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/prions/cjd/infection-control.html. All contaminated solid materials should be disposed of as hazardous waste. Disposing of body fluids and tissues and of hazardous chemicals (formulas) should be handled in accordance with funeral home policy and state and federal regulations.
considered sterile, as the infectious agent does not survive incineration-range temperatures.
Page 98
Book Code: FTX1624
EliteLearning.com/Funeral
Powered by FlippingBook