Clinic ‘shocked’ after 3 patients diagnosed with hepatitis B

The Tri-County Spinal Care Center located at 8626 Dorchester Road in Charleston was suprised to find out that 3 of its patients contracted hepatitis B after getting injections there.

The Tri-County Spinal Care Center was notified on Friday, May 17 that they were under investigation by DHEC. Apparently, three patients were infected after receiving spinal injections on the same day in February.

The Spinal Care Center is cooperating with DHEC’s investigation and 18 patients who may be at risk have been notified.

DHEC ordered the North Charleston clinic to cease and desist all invasive procedures after the three patients were recently diagnosed with the disease. Tri-County Spinal Care Center will be required to provide DHEC with: access to the building, clinic records and employees, and patient information as requested.

Concerned patients can call the clinic at 843-225-7746 to speak with a doctor.

The EU Sharps Directive

What is the EU Sharps Directive and when does it take effect?

The EU Sharps Directive sets forth a framework for implementing a European-level initiative for adopting best practices to ensure the safest possible working environment for healthcare workers.

On 10 May 2010, the directive was introduced as a way to prevent injuries and blood-borne infections to healthcare workers from sharp instruments. European Union member states must implement directive provisions within their national legislation by 11 May 2013.

Why is the EU Sharps Directive being introduced?

The EU Sharps Directive came about in response to the fact that needlestick injuries are one of the most serious health and safety threats for healthcare workers. In fact, an estimated one million needlestick injuries occur in Europe each year1, not taking into account the number of unreported events. These injuries are of concern as they bear the danger of infections by blood-borne pathogens including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. It probably goes without saying that needlestick injuries, in addition to being expensive, cause severe distress for affected healthcare workers and their families2. In the UK it is estimated that needlestick injuries cause costs of approximately 500,000 GBP per year for each NHS Trust.3

What information is contained in the EU Sharps Directive?

The EU Sharps Directive sets a framework in place that includes measures for how to address risk assessment, risk prevention, training and information, awareness raising and monitoring and response and follow-up procedures in relation to sharps injuries.

More information

To read more information about the directive, please consult the additional information below:

In light of the EU Sharps Directive, Mölnlycke Health Care is able to offer a selection of safety devices that have engineered features built into the product design to assist in preventing needlestick injuries. These components can be incorporated into current ProcedurePak® tray specification(s) and into any new tray configurations.

69,000 new HIV cases reported in Russia

69,000 new HIV cases reported in Russia Daijiworld.com Signalling that there has been no letdown in the rising spread of the virus, Gennady Onishchenko told a scientific conference in Moscow that around 720,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV in.

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(OSHA) Sharps Safety – Standard Medical Version

Needlesticks and other sharps injuries to your office personnel can spread Hepatitis B and C as well as HIV. The Smart Training-ISIPS Sharps Safety module helps your practice improve sharps handling and infection prevention protocols.

As part of an overall sharps injury reduction program, this safety presentation can help your practice safeguard employee wellbeing and prevent the spread of disease. Click the link below and then enter ISIPS as the Promo Code during checkout and receive an additional 15% off each module Purchase.

Click here for 15% discount!

Swiss police arrest “healer” accused of infecting 16 with HIV

Swiss police have arrested a self-styled healer after he stopped attending a trial where he stands accused of infecting 16 people with HIV using acupuncture needles.  Swiss police said on Friday that they stormed the home of the 54-year-old man, who had barricaded himself inside, was armed with a knife and had issued repeated threats. An unidentified woman with him was also arrested.

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Contamination Of Drugs Found At Connecticut Hospital Prompts Nationwide Warning

The Food and Drug Administration is warning doctors and hospital managers about a nationwide recall of all drugs made by a New Jersey compounding pharmacy because they may be contaminated with mold.  The recalled products from Med Prep Consulting Inc. include dozens of drugs packaged in infusion bags, plastic syringes and glass vials distributed to regional hospitals.

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January is National Blood Donor Month

According to Danielle McLean, site supervisor for the Red Cross Blood Donation center at the Plaza at Carolina Forest, January is an excellent time to make and act on a resolution to help others by becoming a blood donor.  “This time of year our donations fall off during the holidays,” she said. “High school donors are on vacation and people simply get very busy over the holidays. January is [National Blood Donor Month], a time to bring awareness back around.”

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Is your facility doing anything to promote National Donor Month? Please share with us.

Health fears for ‘backyard botox’ patients

Western Australia’s Department of Health has advised all clients of registered nurse Tiffany Fraser, of Wembley Downs, to visit their doctor for blood tests to check for a potential blood-borne virus or bacterial infection.

The health department said it had launched an investigation into a possible infection control breach at Ms Fraser’s home, and she had been reported to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Chief health officer Tarun Weeramanthri said the potential risk of infection was small but real.

“While the risk of infection for individual patients is considered very low, it is important that any potential risk, no matter how unlikely, is ruled out,” Dr Weeramanthri said.

“Ms Fraser was conducting cosmetic procedures including the injection of Botox and fillers in an unregulated environment, without any documentation of infection control practices.

“Anyone who received treatment in Ms Fraser’s home involving the injection of hyaluronic acid (Juvederm) or botulinum toxin (Botox) should visit their GP as soon as possible to arrange a blood test.”

Dr Weeramanthri said the health department had written to all of Ms Fraser’s known clients to advise them of the threat, but also wanted to identify any other clients who may have visited her home for cosmetic treatments.

“The Department of Health is continuing its investigation into this possible infection control breach and advises people to exercise caution before undergoing cosmetic procedures in private homes, outside a clinical setting,” Dr Weeramanthri said.

This type of “backyard clinics” are being implicated more frequently in hepatitis and HIV infections.  Has your facility had to clean up for one of these incidents?