Urology Associates of Chambersburg (Pa.) has mailed letters to patients who recently underwent prostate biopsies, alerting them of possible infection from reused needles during the procedure, according to a Herald-Mail news report.
According to the news report, the letter recommended patients undergo testing for possible Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Summit Health, also located in Chambersburg, confirmed that the health system does not own the urology practice but does own the two hospitals at which physicians have privileges to perform procedures. However, a health system official confirmed the exposure to re-used needles was limited to the physicians' offices, according to the news report.
The urology practice stated in its letter to patients that the single-use devices were reprocessed with a detergent scrub. However, it is not known whether that sterilization process adequately sterilized the disposable needles. Instrument reprocessing at the practice has been terminated as a result of this incident, according to the news report.
Read the news report about re-use of needles at Urology Associates of Chambersburg.
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According to the news report, the letter recommended patients undergo testing for possible Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Summit Health, also located in Chambersburg, confirmed that the health system does not own the urology practice but does own the two hospitals at which physicians have privileges to perform procedures. However, a health system official confirmed the exposure to re-used needles was limited to the physicians' offices, according to the news report.
The urology practice stated in its letter to patients that the single-use devices were reprocessed with a detergent scrub. However, it is not known whether that sterilization process adequately sterilized the disposable needles. Instrument reprocessing at the practice has been terminated as a result of this incident, according to the news report.
Read the news report about re-use of needles at Urology Associates of Chambersburg.
Related Articles on Single-Use Devices:
Iowa Surgery Center Association Discusses ASC Patient Safety and Quality Care
NV Medical Board Reinstates License of Urologist Suspended for Repeat Uses of Single-Use Device
Safe Injection Practices Checklist: 12 Critical Rules to Follow
