Medical malpractice attorneys have reviewed findings of a new study, published in a recent issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, that have concluded that 10 patients were infected with life-threatening Staphylococcus aureus (commonly known as staph infection) via repeated use of single-use medication vials. The patients were treated in outpatient clinics in Arizona and Delaware according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medical malpractice attorneys deal with hospital staph infection lawsuits frequently.
The study found that three of the Arizona patients were initially treated at a single pain management clinic before being hospitalized from nine to 41 days for staph infections after injection of a contrast solution from the same single-dose vial. Another patient who also received an injection from the same vial was found dead six days after the injection. Doctors were unable to rule staph infection out. In Delaware, seven patients with S aureus–based septic arthritis or bursitis were admitted to the hospital. All of those patients received joint injections at the same outpatient clinic during the same recent two-day period. In addition, three more patients who received injections at the clinic in Delaware during the same time period required outpatient treatment for symptoms consistent with infection.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys: Misuse of Medication Vials Can Cause Serious Injuries and Risk Patient Safety
Medication intended for single use and inappropriately used multiple times can cause serious injuries and outbreaks. Patients are put at risk for infections that may have serious or even deadly effects.
Single-dose medication typically does not contain preservatives and any remaining contents should be disposed of immediately. Researchers say that patient safety is put at risk and vials are used multiple times because there is a difficulty in acquiring the correct size medication vials or because of medication shortages. However, this should never be done and patients who feel that their safety is being compromised should ask questions and report any safety breaches to the appropriate authority.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving serious infections developed as a result of treatment at a hospital or medical clinic. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries as a result of a medical error risking patient safety or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
