SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
MEDIA ADVISORY: Wednesday, April 15, 2009
CONTACT: Barb Buhler, (605) 773-3361
RE: Potential blood borne disease exposure identified at Siouxland Urology Center
During a routine survey of the Siouxland Urology Center in Dakota Dunes, surveyors from the South Dakota Department of Health identified the potential for exposure to blood borne infectious disease during cystoscopy procedures. Single use products such as saline solution bags and tubing were used on more than one patient before being discarded. The practice was immediately halted, corrective measures were implemented, and patients are now being notified.
Siouxland Urology has identified approximately 5,200 patients who underwent the procedure since the facility opened in 2002 and, although the risk of infection is low, they are offering free testing for blood borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Patients and their referring physicians are being notified by letter of the potential for exposure and provided information about the testing. Questions about the testing can be directed to the facility at 1-888-718-3456 or www.siouxlandurologycenter.com.
The department has identified no blood borne infections as a result of this incident.