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Thousands Of LI Hospital Patients Warned About Possible Blood Contamination
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 12, 2014
Modified Mar 12, 2014
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By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 12, 2014
Modified Mar 12, 2014
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A hospital in Nassau County is urging thousands of patients to get tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C "because of the risk of infection from an insulin pen."
The incident occurred at South Nassau Communities Hospital. Newsday reports, "In the letter dated Feb. 22, the Oceanside hospital said the patients may have received insulin from an insulin pen reservoir—not the pen's single-use disposable needle—that could have been used with more than one patient. An insulin pen for those with diabetes is a pre-filled syringe meant to be used to dispense insulin in a single patient. Because of potential backflow of a patient's blood into the pen cartridge after injection, using a pen on multiple patients may expose them to blood-borne infections."
The hospital says that no one was actually seen reusing the reservoir, but "a nurse was heard saying it was all right to do so," according to the AP.
Dr. Sapna Parikh of Eyewitness News explained, "Insulin pens are injector devices with a built-in insulin reservoir designed to be used multiple times, but for one person. Insulin pens should never be used in more than one person because with each injection, there's a small risk a small amount of blood can go backwards into the cartridge, creating a risk the next time."
Here's the full statement from the hospital:
"Working closely with the New York State Department of Health, South Nassau is voluntarily notifying a specific group of patients that may have received insulin from an insulin pen reservoir (not the pen's single-use disposable needle) that may have been used with more than one patient. The risk of infection from this is extremely low, nonetheless, out of an abundance of caution, the hospital is recommending that patients receiving the notification be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
While the testing is voluntary, it is recommended. To facilitate the process, the hospital is offering the patients free and confidential blood testing services. It has established a dedicated toll-free telephone number that the patients may call to schedule a blood test within 60 days after receiving the letter. South Nassau has already implemented a hospital-wide policy that bans the use of insulin pens and permits only the use of single-patient-use vials to administer prescribed insulin treatments to patients.
The hospital is offering blood tests for patients; here's the hotline 516-208-0029
Tagged
blood contamination
insulin pen
long island
south nassau communities hospital
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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