New Castle, Pa.-based UPMC Jameson Hospital will face a class-action lawsuit over improperly cleaned ultrasound probes that put more than 200 patients at risk of infection, reports CBS Pittsburgh.
An internal quality assurance review revealed several staff members did not follow or document proper cleaning procedures for some wands used in internal prostate and OB-GYN exams dating back to October 2017, according to a hospital statement cited by CBS Pittsburgh.
UPMC Jameson immediately implemented corrective measures and notified more than 200 patients who may have been exposed to the dirty equipment. The hospital is also offering affected patients free blood and urine testing, although the hospital said health risks related to the sterilization breach are "extremely low."
Attorney Dallas Hartman told CBS Pittsburgh numerous patients have already contacted him about the suit, which he plans to file Nov. 2.
"UPMC Jameson is committed to providing high-quality care in the safest environment possible," the hospital said in the statement. "We apologize for the concern and inconvenience this matter has caused our patients and their families."
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