Personal Injury Law

60,000 Patients Risked Hepatitis Infections

By Steven M. Levin and John J. Perconti

Heath care professionals failure to follow basic infection practices placed more than 60,000 American patients at risk for hepatitis B and C. A study concluded that health care personnel in settings outside hospitals failed to follow basic infection control practices. Reuse of syringes and blood-contamination of medications, equipment and devices have been identified as the most common factors. Studies reveal that in the past 10 years there have been 33 identified outbreaks of HBV and HCV in 112 outpatient clinics, 6 hemodialysis centers and 15 long-term care facilities. This study found that 450 people acquired hepatitis infections as the result of health care personnel. Unfortunately, thousands of patients are exposed to viral hepatitis and other preventable diseases in the places where they should feel safe. To read the full story, click here.

Full post as published by Illinois Medical Malpractice Blog on January 08, 2009 (boomark / email).