A Pennsylvania hospital is facing legal action due to the discovery that improperly cleaned ultrasound probes were used on more than 200 patients, according to a report from CBS affiliate KDKA 2 in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh attorney Dallas Hartman is bringing the suit against UPMC Jameson of New Castle on behalf of patients who were exposed to dirty probes as far back as October 2017, KDKA 2 said.
The action comes after an internal review conducted by the hospital found that ultrasound probes were improperly cleaned, according to another article about the situation posted on November 2 by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Hundreds of patients who underwent ultrasound scans for prostate or ob/gyn exams may have been affected, the Post-Gazette said.
UPMC Jameson acknowledged that proper cleaning processes were not documented and followed for some probes used for internal prostate and ob/gyn exams, but added that any health risks were low and corrective measure were implemented, KDKA 2 noted. Also, the hospital alerted both the state Department of Health and the Joint Commission.
"In an abundance of caution, we have contacted all potentially affected patients with additional information, offering free precautionary blood and urine testing to ensure patient safety," the hospital noted. "UPMC Jameson is committed to providing high-quality care in the safest environment possible. We apologize for the concern and inconvenience this matter has caused our patients and their families."
