Improper Understanding of a Device Puts More Than 50 Patients at Risk of HIV
A nurse recruit at a NSW clinic mistakenly thought that the Accu-check Multiclix, a device used to check blood sugar levels, was designed to automatically change needles each time it was used to test patients.
Dangerously enough, this device was used between November 28th and January 28th on almost 50 cancer patients using only a single needle and putting them at great risk of HIV and Hepatitis.
Dr Michael Jones, chairman of the private radiology company PRP Diagnostic Imaging which manages the Gosford clinic, explained that the nurse was unaware that the equipment needed a manual needle change for each patient.
Expressing deep disappointment and regret, the clinic has sent apology letters to patients advising them to undergo blood testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C.
Source: Medindia