Infection Control

South Dakota urology clinic cited for IC deficiencies

Infection Control Weekly Monitor, May 6, 2009

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Siouxland Urology Center in Dakota Dunes, SD may have exposed more than 5,000 patients to hepatitis and HIV after reusing single-use medical products, according to CNN.com.

A routine state inspection in January found the facility was reusing sterile saline bags, tubing, and other medical supplies from cystoscopies. When inspectors questioned the clinical staff, they said they routinely reused saline bags and tubing, even though they are labeled “for single use only,” Bob Stahl, of the South Dakota Department of Health told CNN.

Further investigation determined the practice had been reusing saline bags since the clinic opened in 2002.

If you haven’t seen it already, the Tools section on OSHA Healthcare Advisor offers a number of free, downloadable infection control resources including guidelines for safe injection practices, and infection control surveys to avoid this kind of questionable IC practice.



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