ALERT
VETERANS WHO UNDERWENT PROSTATE BIOPSY
AT VA HOSPITALS
After one VA discovered
FECES
in the device used and reused by VA hospitals for the biopsies on veterans,
more than 25,000 VETERANS who underwent a PROSTATE BIOPSY
are at risk for
HIV, hepatitis, and other infections
because the VA has determined that
"some of our devices used to perform prostate biopsies
may not have been satisfactorily sterilized or disinfected."
The Prostate Biopsy Procedure
To determine whether the prostate gland harbors a cancer, a needle has to be placed within the gland to obtain tissue to be examined microscopically. The needle has to be inserted into the rectum, passed through the rectal wall and into the gland. Proper positioning of the needle is guided by an ultrasound probe.
Here is the problem. Sterilizing the probe between patients is difficult because the probe itself is delicate. Special procedures need to be used. If these procedures are short-circuited, the probe may retain contamination from one patient when inserted into the next patient. Such contamination can spread a variety of serious diseases, including Hepatitis, HIV, and other infections.
In one VA, procedures to sterilize the probe devices were inadequate. This may be the case in other facilities as well. The possibility of passing on serious infection from one patient to the next is therefore present.
Precautions to Take if you have received a Prostate Biopsy
You should discuss this infection problem with your physician. The only way to be sure is to be tested for infection if you have had a prostate biopsy.
If you are Infected by a Biopsy
This should not happen with proper sterilization. If you have been infected as a result of inadequate sterilization, you are should seek legal representation. You may be entitled to monetary compensation under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Jeanne Anne Steffin specializes in representation of Veterans for medical malpractice under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Initial consultation is without obligation, and meritorious claims are prosecuted on a contingency basis.
The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) provides a mechanism by which individuals can bring a claim for damages against the United States involving medical negligence. Veterans and their spouses have the right to pursue an administrative tort claim involving the VA when the medical care provided to the veteran was negligent. Filing an administrative tort claim does not diminish your rights to medical care at VA.
Good medical care at the VA is a right, not a privilege, and not charity or a gift.
HIV and hepatitis are serious diseases, and can be passed along to family and friends. Early diagnosis and precautions to save lives and prevent spread is essential. Treatment is important, and treatment needs to be provided by competent and specialized medical entities to prevent spread and to limit morbidity and premature mortality.
Please do not delay!!!!
Act now to preserve your health and your options!!!
1. Contact your health care provider, either VA or a competent medical facility to have the laboratory and other studies needed to identify whether you have been infected since the biopsy.
2. Call Toll Free to 800.771.5187 or FAX Toll Free to 888.536.7833 or email jsteffin@steffin.com (web site: www.steffin.com) immediately.