The Dean Clinic, based in Madison, Wis., has contacted 2,345 patients who may have been exposed to bloodborne diseases from a former nurse's improper use of medical devices during patient training, according to a news release.
The Dean Clinic has also notified state and local health officials that an investigation is ongoing regarding the inappropriate use of insulin demonstration pens and finger stick devices during patient training. An internal review found that the former nurse was inappropriately using these devices during some patient visits from 2006-2011.
According to a Sacramento Bee report, the insulin demonstration pens were used on patients to show how to inject insulin, when in fact a pillow or orange should have been used. The pens are not intended to be used on humans. Other violations include reusing the plastic handle of the finger-stick device, which is for single use only.
Dean Clinic officials clarified the former nurse's violations do not include re-using needles.
The Dean Clinic will cover needed testing for affected patients and will coordinate follow-up care.
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The Dean Clinic has also notified state and local health officials that an investigation is ongoing regarding the inappropriate use of insulin demonstration pens and finger stick devices during patient training. An internal review found that the former nurse was inappropriately using these devices during some patient visits from 2006-2011.
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According to a Sacramento Bee report, the insulin demonstration pens were used on patients to show how to inject insulin, when in fact a pillow or orange should have been used. The pens are not intended to be used on humans. Other violations include reusing the plastic handle of the finger-stick device, which is for single use only.
Dean Clinic officials clarified the former nurse's violations do not include re-using needles.
The Dean Clinic will cover needed testing for affected patients and will coordinate follow-up care.
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