Five former patients of Siouxland Urology Center in Dakota Dunes, S.D., have sued the center for improper infection prevention procedures that may have exposed the patients to blood-borne infections, including HIV, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.
The suit comes after the center was found by the South Dakota Department of Health to be reusing single-use products, such as saline bags and tubing, during cytoscopy procedures.
The suit alleges 10 counts of misconduct including negligence, medical malpractice, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress and fraudulent misrepresentation. According to the suit, the center purposefully reused these products from Mar. 2002 until Jan. 2009, despite the manufacturer's recommendation for single use.
If the suit is granted class-action, damages could exceed $5 million.
Read the Chicago Tribune's report on the suit against Siouxland Urology center.