Thursday, August 27, 1998 Published at 06:22 GMT 07:22 UK
Chance discovery prompts tests for CJD
Hospitals routinely keep samples taken from operations
It follows the chance discovery of proteins associated with the disease - the human form of Mad Cow Disease (BSE) - in the appendix of a patient who died last June.
There is currently no test for nvCJD in living people. Scientists who want to know if the UK is heading for an epidemic may now have a way of checking the wider population.
Selected tests will be carried out on appendices and tonsils which are routinely kept in hospital laboratories after removal.
Researchers are preparing procedures and ethical rules for the initial studies which will receive funding through the Medical Research Council.
"If there are, then I think we would move into a different mode with full involvement of individuals," he said.
His appendix was removed at Torbay hospital in Devon eight months before he displayed nvCJD symptoms.
When he died last year, neurologists went back to check the specimen and found evidence of the rogue protein associated with nv-CJD.
Currently, the only way of confirming a case of new-variant CJD is after a patient has died. This is done by examining brain tissue at post mortem - victims of CJD have fluid-filled cavities in their brains that give them a spongy appearance.
Tony Barrett's is one of 27 confirmed deaths from nvCDJ. The disease is a new form of a well established, although rare, illness that affects the central nervous system. It was linked to BSE-infected meat in 1996.
Nevertheless, some scientists have estimated that, by the end of 1995, each member of the British public may still have eaten an average of 80 contaminated meals.
However, the scientists have no clear idea how many people will actually develop nvCJD. They hope Mr Barrett's case will provide some clues.
The surgical instruments used to remove Mr Barrett's appendix were also used in later operations. But Paul Courtney from the West Devon Health Authority stressed that all the equipment would have been thoroughly cleaned and sterilised.
A helpline has been opened for former patients who may be worried: 01803 861854.
Mr Courtney said public health doctors would also give further information through the local media.