What happened?
The incident is still under investigation. What we do know is a terminated employee, a surgical tech, may have put some patients at risk for exposure to hepatitis C.
It is impossible to adequately express how deeply sorry we are for what is happening and the anxiety and pain this is causing your family. This is a personal issue for all of us. We are angry that the unconscionable acts of this terminated employee may have put our patients at risk.
Who was potentially exposed?
Those who were potentially exposed had surgery between May 4 and July 1, 2009. If you did not have surgery at Audubon Surgery Center between those dates, you are not at risk.
What do I do if I had surgery during that time at the Audubon Surgery Center?
Audubon is providing free confidential blood testing at a Quest Lab location near you. We are sending a certified letter to 1,200 patients who were potentially exposed with instructions for follow up evaluation. A first test is required for all patients which should be scheduled at your earliest convenience. If your surgery was less than six weeks prior to your first blood test, a second test will be required. A second test is not required if your first blood test was obtained more than six weeks after your surgery. We have a Patient Care line set up at 719-571-4440 and a website www.AudubonSurgeryCenter.com .
What Audubon facilities are involved?
Those who had surgery between May 4 and July 1, 2009 at the Audubon Surgery Center at Circle and Union were potentially exposed. Those who had surgery at the Pain Center or the Audubon Surgery Center at St. Francis (on Powers) are not at risk.
What is the chance I was infected?
To date, no one has been identified as being infected in Colorado Springs. We do not know if anyone was exposed but we are going to take every precaution on behalf of our patients and have them tested.
How long did the employee work for Audubon?
The employee under investigation worked at Audubon from May 4, 2009 and was terminated July 1, 2009.
How could you let this happen?
At this point in time we don’t know what happened or if any patients at Audubon have been exposed. Law enforcement officials, as well at the Colorado Department of Public Health, are still investigating the matter and gathering all the facts.
Did you fire this employee because of all of this?
We fired the employee once we were contacted by the CO Department of Public Health and Environment.
I know that bad employees don’t suddenly go bad. This person must have had a history of bad behavior. Why didn’t you know about that?
We carefully review the backgrounds of all of our employees. The interview, reference checks, and drug testing did not reveal anything which would be concerning.
What kind of checks do you do before hiring an employee?
For a surgical technologist position, we conduct a two person interview with the applicant, we check references and we obtain drug screens—all of which was done with the terminated employee.
Why did you hire her after she was fired from Rose Medical Center?
When we hired this employee, she was a current employee of Rose Medical Center.
Are there some other people who should be fired? Somebody let this happen.
We believe this was an isolated incident of malice performed by a specific individual.
Are you going to be sued?
Right now, that is not at all our concern. Our focus is on taking care of our patients. We want to urge patients who receive a letter from Audubon asking them to be tested to please follow the instructions in the letter to ensure you are tested in a timely manner.
You’ve sent out 1200 letters. Have that many people been infected?
At this time no one has been identified as being infected with the hepatitis C virus. We are sending out that many letters to make absolutely sure no one who was at any risk would be missed. We are taking a very cautious and conservative approach by reaching out to everyone who could have been affected. There is a risk of infection for the people we are contacting, but we believe it is likely that most people who are tested will not have hepatitis C.
What is hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is spread when infected blood comes in contact with another person’s blood.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of hepatitis C include decreased appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, itching, and flu-like symptoms.
Where can I find out more information?
www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/Hepatitis/index.html
Is there someone I can call?
We have set up a Patient Care Line. The phone number is 719-571-4440.
What safeguards are you putting in place to make sure you never hire another employee who puts patients at risk?
Our employment application process includes reference checks and urine drug screening for surgical technicians. We are continually reviewing and revising our policies and procedures to ensure patient safety.
Why would you allow someone infected with hepatitis C to be in an operating room?
Health care workers who are hepatitis C positive can provide care as long as they follow accepted safe health care precautions that are required of all surgical room staff. Guidance on the role of hepatitis C health care workers is found in the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC recommends that hepatitis C health care providers have a role in the surgical team based on years of experience and study. It is also important to note that Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against health care workers who have hepatitis C. In addition, we had no reason to blood test the employee for Hepatitis C as it is not part of our normal hiring process.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Letter to Patients Who Have Potentially Been Exposed To Hepatitis C
The following letter will be sent, via certified mail, to approximately 1,200 patients who have been identified by Audubon Surgery Center as surgical patients at the facility between May 4, 2009 and July 1, 2009. The letter will be sent via certified mail on Monday, July 6 with instructions and forms for testing.
Dear Audubon Surgery Center Patient,
We are sending you this letter because we were recently notified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment of an investigation of a terminated employee – a surgical technician – who may have put some surgery patients at risk for exposure to hepatitis C. The surgical technician has been arrested and federal criminal charges are pending.
Our records indicate that you had surgery at the Audubon Surgery Center located at the corner of Union and Circle between May 4th, 2009 and July 1st, 2009. If this is correct, it is imperative that you schedule a free confidential blood test. The test should be scheduled at your earliest convenience. A second free confidential blood test will be required if your surgery was less than six weeks ago. If your surgery was more than six weeks ago, a second test is not required. In summary:
• A first test is required for all patients which should be scheduled at your earliest convenience
• If your surgery was less than six weeks prior to your first blood test, a second test will be required
• A second test is not required if your first blood test was obtained more than six weeks after your surgery
The tests are not absolutely definitive unless at least six weeks have lapsed from the date of the potential exposure/surgical procedure. These tests will determine if you are infected with hepatitis C, a virus that can potentially cause serious damage to the liver.
It is likely that most patients were not exposed to hepatitis C while at our facility. However, we believe the best precaution for patients is for everyone to be tested who had surgery between May 4, 2009 and July 1, 2009.
A person infected with hepatitis C often has no symptoms. For this reason, even if you feel perfectly healthy, it is important for you to be properly tested. This is the only way you will know if you’ve been exposed to the virus – and if so, if you might benefit from additional medical therapy and guidance.
In an effort to make this as convenient as possible, we have made arrangements to provide free, confidential testing for hepatitis C at Quest Diagnostics locations. The three Quest Diagnostic locations that will be performing testing are:
• 1715 N. Weber St., Suite 140, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. [M-F 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.] Phone - 719 636-3707
• 3610 Rebecca Ln., Colorado Springs, CO 80917. [M-F 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.] Phone – 719 574-5868
• 155 Printers Pkwy, Suite 110, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. [M-F 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.] Phone 719 473-3097
Please bring this letter and enclosed forms with you to the lab.
For additional information regarding Quest Diagnostics, go to www.questdiagnostics.com or call
1-888-277-8772.
Please note that Quest Diagnostics is set up to perform the testing needed. Testing done at locations other than Quest Diagnostics will have to be repeated.
For more information about hepatitis C, we recommend the state web site: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/Hepatitis/index.html
To keep you fully informed, we also have set up a Patient Care Line you can call with questions or to speak with a licensed healthcare professional. The number for the Audubon Surgery Center Patient Care Line is 719-571-4440; someone will be available to speak with you Monday through Friday between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MDT.
We recommend you discuss this letter with your personal physician. Also be aware that the State Health Department may contact patients who test positive for the virus as part of its investigation.
At Audubon Surgery Center, our employees, nurses and physicians work very hard to provide you with the safest and highest quality patient experience. We deeply regret that you may have been put at risk while you were under our care.
Your safety and health are our primary concerns. We greatly appreciate your support as we try to help all our patients, medical staff and employees through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Hall, MD
Medical Director
Audubon Surgery Center
Dear Audubon Surgery Center Patient,
We are sending you this letter because we were recently notified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment of an investigation of a terminated employee – a surgical technician – who may have put some surgery patients at risk for exposure to hepatitis C. The surgical technician has been arrested and federal criminal charges are pending.
Our records indicate that you had surgery at the Audubon Surgery Center located at the corner of Union and Circle between May 4th, 2009 and July 1st, 2009. If this is correct, it is imperative that you schedule a free confidential blood test. The test should be scheduled at your earliest convenience. A second free confidential blood test will be required if your surgery was less than six weeks ago. If your surgery was more than six weeks ago, a second test is not required. In summary:
• A first test is required for all patients which should be scheduled at your earliest convenience
• If your surgery was less than six weeks prior to your first blood test, a second test will be required
• A second test is not required if your first blood test was obtained more than six weeks after your surgery
The tests are not absolutely definitive unless at least six weeks have lapsed from the date of the potential exposure/surgical procedure. These tests will determine if you are infected with hepatitis C, a virus that can potentially cause serious damage to the liver.
It is likely that most patients were not exposed to hepatitis C while at our facility. However, we believe the best precaution for patients is for everyone to be tested who had surgery between May 4, 2009 and July 1, 2009.
A person infected with hepatitis C often has no symptoms. For this reason, even if you feel perfectly healthy, it is important for you to be properly tested. This is the only way you will know if you’ve been exposed to the virus – and if so, if you might benefit from additional medical therapy and guidance.
In an effort to make this as convenient as possible, we have made arrangements to provide free, confidential testing for hepatitis C at Quest Diagnostics locations. The three Quest Diagnostic locations that will be performing testing are:
• 1715 N. Weber St., Suite 140, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. [M-F 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.] Phone - 719 636-3707
• 3610 Rebecca Ln., Colorado Springs, CO 80917. [M-F 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.] Phone – 719 574-5868
• 155 Printers Pkwy, Suite 110, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. [M-F 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.] Phone 719 473-3097
Please bring this letter and enclosed forms with you to the lab.
For additional information regarding Quest Diagnostics, go to www.questdiagnostics.com or call
1-888-277-8772.
Please note that Quest Diagnostics is set up to perform the testing needed. Testing done at locations other than Quest Diagnostics will have to be repeated.
For more information about hepatitis C, we recommend the state web site: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/Hepatitis/index.html
To keep you fully informed, we also have set up a Patient Care Line you can call with questions or to speak with a licensed healthcare professional. The number for the Audubon Surgery Center Patient Care Line is 719-571-4440; someone will be available to speak with you Monday through Friday between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m. MDT.
We recommend you discuss this letter with your personal physician. Also be aware that the State Health Department may contact patients who test positive for the virus as part of its investigation.
At Audubon Surgery Center, our employees, nurses and physicians work very hard to provide you with the safest and highest quality patient experience. We deeply regret that you may have been put at risk while you were under our care.
Your safety and health are our primary concerns. We greatly appreciate your support as we try to help all our patients, medical staff and employees through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Hall, MD
Medical Director
Audubon Surgery Center
Background on Hepatitis C Alert for Audubon Surgery Center Patients
Audubon Surgery Center was recently notified by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment of an investigation of a terminated employee – a surgical scrub technician – who may have put some surgery patients at risk for exposure to hepatitis C.
If a patient had surgery at the Audubon Surgery Center located at the corner of Union and Circle between May 4th, 2009 and July 1st, 2009, we believe, as does the State Health Department, that they should take a free, confidential blood test. This test will determine if they were exposed to hepatitis C, a virus that can potentially cause serious damage to the liver.
It is likely that most patients were NOT exposed to hepatitis C while at Audubon. However, we believe the most conservative and cautious approach for patients is for everyone to be tested who had surgery between May 4, 2009 and July 1, 2009.
NOTE: a person infected with hepatitis C often has no symptoms. For this reason, even if they feel perfectly healthy, it is important for them to be properly tested. This is the only way they will know if they’ve been exposed to the virus – and if so, if they might benefit from additional medical therapy and guidance.
In an effort to make this as convenient as possible, Audubon has made arrangements to provide free, confidential testing for hepatitis C at any Quest Diagnostics location. If the patient has been identified by Audubon as someone who was potentially exposed, they will receive a letter via certified mail early next week with instructions for Quest, as well as the appropriate lab form. This will ONLY be delivered to identified patients, and only via certified mail. If they do not receive a letter, there is no reason to believe they are at risk. To find a Quest Diagnostic location, patients can go to www.questdiagnostic.com or call 1-800-377-8448, but they will need to have the form via mail before they can get the testing.
If a patient had surgery at the Audubon Surgery Center located at the corner of Union and Circle between May 4th, 2009 and July 1st, 2009, we believe, as does the State Health Department, that they should take a free, confidential blood test. This test will determine if they were exposed to hepatitis C, a virus that can potentially cause serious damage to the liver.
It is likely that most patients were NOT exposed to hepatitis C while at Audubon. However, we believe the most conservative and cautious approach for patients is for everyone to be tested who had surgery between May 4, 2009 and July 1, 2009.
NOTE: a person infected with hepatitis C often has no symptoms. For this reason, even if they feel perfectly healthy, it is important for them to be properly tested. This is the only way they will know if they’ve been exposed to the virus – and if so, if they might benefit from additional medical therapy and guidance.
In an effort to make this as convenient as possible, Audubon has made arrangements to provide free, confidential testing for hepatitis C at any Quest Diagnostics location. If the patient has been identified by Audubon as someone who was potentially exposed, they will receive a letter via certified mail early next week with instructions for Quest, as well as the appropriate lab form. This will ONLY be delivered to identified patients, and only via certified mail. If they do not receive a letter, there is no reason to believe they are at risk. To find a Quest Diagnostic location, patients can go to www.questdiagnostic.com or call 1-800-377-8448, but they will need to have the form via mail before they can get the testing.
From the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/Hepatitis/hepc/HepCInvestigation.html
FAQs for Colorado Hep C Investigation
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is currently working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on an investigation of a hepatitis C outbreak involving multiple patients at Rose Medical Center in Denver. Patients who had surgery and received injected medication for their procedure between October 21, 2008 and April 13, 2009 at Rose Medical Center are urged to get tested for hepatitis C as they may have been exposed to the virus by a former health care worker at Rose who was stealing pain medication for personal use.
The former employee also worked for a short time at Audubon Surgical Center in Colorado Springs and may have exposed patients undergoing surgical procedures between May 4 and July 1, 2009.
Patients who may have been exposed will be informed of their possible exposure via notification letters and follow-up calls from Rose Medical Center and the Audubon Surgical Center.
Both facilities will arrange for free, confidential blood testing through Quest Diagnostics. Details will be included with the notification letters.
Not everyone is at risk or has been exposed to the virus, however, in the interest of public safety, we believe it is important to test everyone that had surgical procedures within the noted timeframes.
We believe there is no further risk of transmission at this time as the former employee has been arrested. Prior to the employee’s arrest, the state health department issued a public health order to the terminated employee stating the employee could not work with patients or in the health care field.
(Link) Information for patients
Patients who had surgery and received injected medication for their procedure between October 21, 2008 and April 13, 2009 at Rose Medical Center are urged to get tested for hepatitis C as they may have been exposed to the virus by a former health care worker at Rose who was stealing pain medication for personal use.
The former employee also worked for a short time at Audubon Surgical Center in Colorado Springs and may have exposed patients undergoing surgical procedures between May 4 and July 1, 2009. These patients are also urged to get tested for hepatitis C.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus that can result in infection of the liver. The virus is spread when an infected person’s blood comes in contact with another person’s bloodstream. The virus can be transmitted through blood in needles or other injection equipment that is contaminated (or tainted) with infected blood.
How else is hepatitis C spread?
• Hepatitis C can be spread from one person to another through syringes or needles used to inject drugs. In the past, hepatitis C was spread through blood transfusions before blood banks began routine screening in 1992.
• It also can be spread through contact with very tiny amounts of blood on shared razors, toothbrushes, and other items that may come in contact with blood.
• There is a small chance that it can be transmitted through sexual contact.
• Hepatitis C is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging or shaking hands nor is it spread by an infected person’s cough or sneeze.
• The virus cannot be acquired by drinking out of a glass used by a person infected with hepatitis C.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?
• Hepatitis C is called a “silent infection” because 80 percent of people may have no signs or symptoms but can still infect others.
• Symptoms can develop slowly and may include:
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Up to 5 percent of people that carry the hepatitis C virus will suffer from cirrhosis, chronic liver disease or liver cancer.
How soon do symptoms of hepatitis C appear?
Symptoms may appear as soon as 2 weeks and as long as 6 months after exposure.
How long can an infected person spread the virus?
Infected people may spread the virus indefinitely even if they do not experience symptoms.
Is there a vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis C?
No. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
How were patients exposed in this investigation?
We believe that a terminated employee, a surgical scrub technician, is responsible for these exposures. The transmission of the disease resulted from the illegal practices of the former employee who was stealing pain medication (fentanyl) for personal use, and in the process potentially exposed patients to hepatitis C. This employee took syringes containing fentanyl from the operating room, injected herself, and refilled the syringes with saline solution. These contaminated syringes were then administered to patients during surgical procedures. We do not know how often this occurred, but based on the investigation so far, several patients may have contracted hepatitis C in this manner. Testing everyone who had a procedure during the time period that the employee worked may identify more instances of transmission.
Where can I get tested?
Confidential free blood testing for hepatitis C is being provided by Rose Medical Center and Audubon Surgical Center through Quest Diagnostics. Details will be included in patient notification letters from these facilities.
If I had surgery at one of these locations but not on the dates listed, what should I do?
The employee was not working at either of these locations beyond the dates listed. So, if you had a procedure on a different date, we do not believe you are at risk and you do not need to be tested for hepatitis C.
Is there a treatment for chronic hepatitis C?
• There is a treatment available for hepatitis C, although it does not work for everyone.
• The effectiveness of the treatment varies depending on the strain of the virus with which you are infected.
• Your doctor will be able to discuss treatment options with you based on your individual test results.
What are the recommendations for people who test positive for hepatitis C?
• Talk to your health care provider about disease management and possible treatment options, as well as regular health monitoring.
• Your health care provider can determine the appropriate next steps for you.
Should I get tested for hepatitis B virus and HIV?
No. Both viruses can be transmitted via blood. However, in this circumstance, we do not believe there was a risk for transmitting these two viruses.
(Link) Information for health care providers
How were patients exposed?
We believe that a terminated employee, a surgical scrub technician, is responsible for these exposures. The transmission of the disease resulted from the illegal practices of the former employee who was stealing pain medication (fentanyl) for personal use, and in the process potentially exposed patients to hepatitis C. This employee took syringes containing fentanyl from the operating room, injected herself, and refilled the syringes with saline solution. These contaminated syringes were then administered to patients during surgical procedures. We do not know how often this occurred, but based on the investigation so far, several patients may have contracted hepatitis C in this manner. Testing everyone who had a procedure during the time period that the employee worked may identify more instances of transmission.
What testing is being recommended?
Each patient who is notified will receive instructions, including a laboratory order slip from Quest Diagnostics, with their notification letter. All patients are recommended to undergo testing for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and may also be recommended to be tested for HCV RNA depending on the timing of their procedure. Some patients who had procedures recently will need to undergo follow-up testing to assure they are negative. This will be explained in their letter.
What should I do with my patient’s hepatitis C test results?
Colorado law requires that laboratories must report a positive hepatitis C test to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) within 7 days of the test. In addition, CDPHE is tracking all test results (positive and negative) related to this investigation. If your patient was tested using a laboratory other than that provided by Rose Medical Center or Audubon Surgery Center in their notification letter, please fax their hepatitis test results to the CDPHE Viral Hepatitis Program at 303-691-7753.
If my patient had surgery at one of these locations but not on the dates listed, should they be tested?
No. The employee was not working at either of these locations beyond the dates listed. So, we do not believe that patients who had procedures on different dates are at risk or need to be tested.
Do my patients need to get tested for hepatitis B virus and HIV?
Both viruses can be transmitted via blood. However, in this circumstance, we do not believe there was a risk for transmitting these two viruses
FAQs for Colorado Hep C Investigation
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is currently working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on an investigation of a hepatitis C outbreak involving multiple patients at Rose Medical Center in Denver. Patients who had surgery and received injected medication for their procedure between October 21, 2008 and April 13, 2009 at Rose Medical Center are urged to get tested for hepatitis C as they may have been exposed to the virus by a former health care worker at Rose who was stealing pain medication for personal use.
The former employee also worked for a short time at Audubon Surgical Center in Colorado Springs and may have exposed patients undergoing surgical procedures between May 4 and July 1, 2009.
Patients who may have been exposed will be informed of their possible exposure via notification letters and follow-up calls from Rose Medical Center and the Audubon Surgical Center.
Both facilities will arrange for free, confidential blood testing through Quest Diagnostics. Details will be included with the notification letters.
Not everyone is at risk or has been exposed to the virus, however, in the interest of public safety, we believe it is important to test everyone that had surgical procedures within the noted timeframes.
We believe there is no further risk of transmission at this time as the former employee has been arrested. Prior to the employee’s arrest, the state health department issued a public health order to the terminated employee stating the employee could not work with patients or in the health care field.
(Link) Information for patients
Patients who had surgery and received injected medication for their procedure between October 21, 2008 and April 13, 2009 at Rose Medical Center are urged to get tested for hepatitis C as they may have been exposed to the virus by a former health care worker at Rose who was stealing pain medication for personal use.
The former employee also worked for a short time at Audubon Surgical Center in Colorado Springs and may have exposed patients undergoing surgical procedures between May 4 and July 1, 2009. These patients are also urged to get tested for hepatitis C.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is an infection caused by the hepatitis C virus that can result in infection of the liver. The virus is spread when an infected person’s blood comes in contact with another person’s bloodstream. The virus can be transmitted through blood in needles or other injection equipment that is contaminated (or tainted) with infected blood.
How else is hepatitis C spread?
• Hepatitis C can be spread from one person to another through syringes or needles used to inject drugs. In the past, hepatitis C was spread through blood transfusions before blood banks began routine screening in 1992.
• It also can be spread through contact with very tiny amounts of blood on shared razors, toothbrushes, and other items that may come in contact with blood.
• There is a small chance that it can be transmitted through sexual contact.
• Hepatitis C is not transmitted through casual contact such as hugging or shaking hands nor is it spread by an infected person’s cough or sneeze.
• The virus cannot be acquired by drinking out of a glass used by a person infected with hepatitis C.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C?
• Hepatitis C is called a “silent infection” because 80 percent of people may have no signs or symptoms but can still infect others.
• Symptoms can develop slowly and may include:
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• Up to 5 percent of people that carry the hepatitis C virus will suffer from cirrhosis, chronic liver disease or liver cancer.
How soon do symptoms of hepatitis C appear?
Symptoms may appear as soon as 2 weeks and as long as 6 months after exposure.
How long can an infected person spread the virus?
Infected people may spread the virus indefinitely even if they do not experience symptoms.
Is there a vaccine for the prevention of hepatitis C?
No. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
How were patients exposed in this investigation?
We believe that a terminated employee, a surgical scrub technician, is responsible for these exposures. The transmission of the disease resulted from the illegal practices of the former employee who was stealing pain medication (fentanyl) for personal use, and in the process potentially exposed patients to hepatitis C. This employee took syringes containing fentanyl from the operating room, injected herself, and refilled the syringes with saline solution. These contaminated syringes were then administered to patients during surgical procedures. We do not know how often this occurred, but based on the investigation so far, several patients may have contracted hepatitis C in this manner. Testing everyone who had a procedure during the time period that the employee worked may identify more instances of transmission.
Where can I get tested?
Confidential free blood testing for hepatitis C is being provided by Rose Medical Center and Audubon Surgical Center through Quest Diagnostics. Details will be included in patient notification letters from these facilities.
If I had surgery at one of these locations but not on the dates listed, what should I do?
The employee was not working at either of these locations beyond the dates listed. So, if you had a procedure on a different date, we do not believe you are at risk and you do not need to be tested for hepatitis C.
Is there a treatment for chronic hepatitis C?
• There is a treatment available for hepatitis C, although it does not work for everyone.
• The effectiveness of the treatment varies depending on the strain of the virus with which you are infected.
• Your doctor will be able to discuss treatment options with you based on your individual test results.
What are the recommendations for people who test positive for hepatitis C?
• Talk to your health care provider about disease management and possible treatment options, as well as regular health monitoring.
• Your health care provider can determine the appropriate next steps for you.
Should I get tested for hepatitis B virus and HIV?
No. Both viruses can be transmitted via blood. However, in this circumstance, we do not believe there was a risk for transmitting these two viruses.
(Link) Information for health care providers
How were patients exposed?
We believe that a terminated employee, a surgical scrub technician, is responsible for these exposures. The transmission of the disease resulted from the illegal practices of the former employee who was stealing pain medication (fentanyl) for personal use, and in the process potentially exposed patients to hepatitis C. This employee took syringes containing fentanyl from the operating room, injected herself, and refilled the syringes with saline solution. These contaminated syringes were then administered to patients during surgical procedures. We do not know how often this occurred, but based on the investigation so far, several patients may have contracted hepatitis C in this manner. Testing everyone who had a procedure during the time period that the employee worked may identify more instances of transmission.
What testing is being recommended?
Each patient who is notified will receive instructions, including a laboratory order slip from Quest Diagnostics, with their notification letter. All patients are recommended to undergo testing for antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and may also be recommended to be tested for HCV RNA depending on the timing of their procedure. Some patients who had procedures recently will need to undergo follow-up testing to assure they are negative. This will be explained in their letter.
What should I do with my patient’s hepatitis C test results?
Colorado law requires that laboratories must report a positive hepatitis C test to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) within 7 days of the test. In addition, CDPHE is tracking all test results (positive and negative) related to this investigation. If your patient was tested using a laboratory other than that provided by Rose Medical Center or Audubon Surgery Center in their notification letter, please fax their hepatitis test results to the CDPHE Viral Hepatitis Program at 303-691-7753.
If my patient had surgery at one of these locations but not on the dates listed, should they be tested?
No. The employee was not working at either of these locations beyond the dates listed. So, we do not believe that patients who had procedures on different dates are at risk or need to be tested.
Do my patients need to get tested for hepatitis B virus and HIV?
Both viruses can be transmitted via blood. However, in this circumstance, we do not believe there was a risk for transmitting these two viruses
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