Several Southern California surgical patients at risk due to unsterilized equipment
By Laura Vogltanz
Published on May 03, 2006
According to the hospital, after each use the nurse did not properly sterilize the gastroscope, a surgical instrument used in a stomach stapling procedure. From the fall of 2004 to April 2006, the nurse was involved in more than 250 procedures, putting those patients at risk for serious illnesses including Hepatitis and HIV.
Hospital officials have contacted each at-risk patient. Officials say that, while the risk of illness is low, it still exists. The hospital is offering blood disease screening tests for each potentially affected patient.
Officials say the nurse went through extensive background checks before being hired. The nurse has since resigned.
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