A radiologic technologist (RT) in the state of Washington has been charged with unprofessional conduct in connection with the case of a patient who died after she was injected with cleaning fluid instead of contrast agent.
In an incident that took place in 2004 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, the patient, Mary McClinton, died after receiving an injection of a topical antiseptic solution rather than a contrast agent. According to the charges against him, RT Carl Dorsey had provided the attending radiologist, Dr. David Robinson, with a syringe prelabeled as contrast. The contrast dye and the cleaning solution -- both clear liquids -- were in unmarked containers on Dorsey's work tray at the time, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
Dorsey has a little less than one month to respond to the charges brought against him by the Washington State Department of Health, and he could lose his license if the charge is sustained. A complaint was also filed against Robinson, but that was closed without action because the syringe that Dorsey handed him was labeled as contrast, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Virginia Mason Hospital admitted liability in the incident as part of a settlement to a lawsuit filed by McClinton's family. As part of the settlement the hospital agreed to implement an ongoing training program to maintain labeling protocols for all new employees, including doctors, nurses, and medical staff.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
February 14, 2006
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