Swedish Medical Center of Seattle suggests HIV tests to 27 patients after sterilization error

Hospital suggests HIV tests to 27 patients after sterilization error

by KING 5 News

Posted on December 21, 2013 at 10:55 AM

Updated today at 12:20 PM

Swedish Medical Center continues to investigate why staff did not properly sterilize a piece of ultrasound equipment, potentially compromising the health of 27 patients.

The unsterilized equipment was used between September 19 and December 10.

"I was so enraged. I was like, 'Oh my God,'" one patient said.

He spoke to KING 5 on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive topic and how it might affect his job. After a recent visit to the hospital, he received a phone call and letter notifying him that equipment used during the surgical procedure may put him at risk for infectious disease. 

Immediately, he returned to Swedish Medical Center for a blood test to check for HIV and Hepatitis B and C. 

"I cannot tell you how angry I was," he explained. "It was terrible."

Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Vassall calls the mistake a "human error," one they're still investigating. Of the four decontamination steps taken, staff missed the last one.

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