Testing for CJD/Mad Cow Disease?

[BryanFL]

Has anyone heard of any research done to develop a better testing method for this? I am sure we all know the effects this is having on recruiting blood donors. It has drastically hurt my donor base.

[Guest Anonymous]

No FDA approved test currently. Most prions are non-immunogenic, existing in multiple molecular forms. What you will have to do is educate your staff about prions and the blood brain barrier. There are 0.5 cases/million reported per annum worldwide. In 85% of these cases there is unknown etiology. There are iatrogenic routes of transmission.....contaminated surgical instruments, tissue transfers (corneal and dura matter), growth hormone, and gonadotrophin preparations. Prion proteins are normal constituents of many cells (neurons in brain). What makes a "bad prion"? Several theories are out. Since the only "safety control" for vCJD in the blood supply is from the donor questions, you can turn this obstacle into an educational opportunity and win donor confidence.