November 16 (UPI) — The hospital in Salem, Massachusetts, about 20 miles northeast of Boston, announced Thursday that nearly 450 of its patients may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV over a two-year period.
The patients underwent endoscopy in the hospital, which involves doctors inserting a tube-like instrument into the body to look inside. Types of endoscopy include bronchoscopy, colonoscopy, and laparoscopy.
The hospital said some patients may have been exposed to the virus when intravenous drugs were given for sedation before surgery “in a manner inconsistent with our best practices.”
Hospital officials did not elaborate on how the exposure occurred or how it was corrected, except to say that Salem Hospital learned of the incidents earlier this year, corrected the practice and notified its quality and infection control teams.
“Salem Hospital has notified all potentially affected patients, a hotline staffed by clinicians has been set up to answer questions, and we are providing them with free screening and any necessary support,” a statement from the hospital said. “To date, a hotline staffed by clinicians has been set up to answer questions.” To date, there is no evidence that this event resulted in any infection, and we have determined that the risk of infection to patients from this event is minimal.”
The department recommends that hospitals notify all patients in writing of “possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens and provide free follow-up care, including testing,” the department said in a statement.
A department spokesman said the risk of exposure was minimal and there was no cause for concern if people were not contacted by the hospital.
“Patient safety is our top priority and we have taken multiple corrective actions in response to this incident,” a statement from Brigham Hospital in Massachusetts said. “We sincerely apologize to those affected and we remain committed to Providing high-quality, compassionate health care to our communities.”
There is a vaccine for hepatitis B, but there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C or HIV infection.