A question from the HCD08 Conference.

I have a client who wants to use the same imaging equipment (MRI, PET, CT) for both research animals and patients (research test subjects) this is for private practice so the State Department of Health regulations do not apply.  What regulations or protocols should guide this client on infection control?

This is not unusual, although it’s not well-publicized (for obvious reasons). The client should have well-developed and well-documented standards for cleaning and disinfection - whether the ‘patient’ is human or animal. The fact that animals are treated/diagnosed there can pose an even greater risk. Hopefully, the client is measuring that risk (testing), and mitigating vigorously.

Also, one preventable infection, documented by one enterprising reporter, could have disastrous effects on the client’s patient volumes!