According to officials at Jefferson, there was a lapse in infection-control practices during gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures done in February and March which may have exposed the patients to the potential infections. It is suspected that surgical forceps that were used during biopsies and meant to be sterile, single-use instruments were rinsed in a cup of water that is supposed to be discarded after the procedure. However, the letter stated, “some rinse water was reused for a small number of patients.”

All 51 patients were offered free blood tests to screen for infections, and additional follow-up testing has also been recommended.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers Warn Patients About HIV Infections, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Infections can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions, especially when left untreated. HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. HIV attacks a person’s CD4 cells; weakening their immune system and leaving them at an increased risk for other infections and certain types of cancer. Hepatitis B and C infect a person’s liver and may lead to a chronic infection resulting in liver cirrhosis, failure, or cancer. Although there are typically no symptoms associated with hepatitis C, it causes chronic liver disease about 85 percent of the time when present.

Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling medical malpractice cases resulting from infections passed to patients as a result of a negligent behavior on behalf of a medical professional. 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 an infection such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV contracted at a hospital or any other type of negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.