Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute, Kan., announced a disinfection procedure for one type of endoscope was not sufficient, which may have put some patients at risk for an infection.
While the risk is "extremely low," the hospital is recommending patients who underwent a colonoscopy with a certain type of endoscope between Jan. 3 and July 3 be tested at no charge for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV now and six months after the procedure date.
The hospital is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Neosho County Health Department to notify patients by mail who received a colonoscopy during the relevant time period.
"Neosho Memorial has conducted a thorough review of all endoscopy procedures and related infection control practices, and implemented required steps," the hospital wrote in the release.
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