CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -
Urology Associates of Chambersburg sent a letter to many of its patients late last month to inform them of a serious problem. The letter stated that incorrect needles had been used for biopsy results.
Needles labeled "single use" were reprocessed using "detergent scrub," sterilized and then re-used in the office - something the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is never safe because it can spread Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Patients who received prostate biopsies on or after September 1 were urged to get two blood tests, one now and one six months later, according to the letter.
Daniel Baughman is one of the patients who received the letter. He already had a blood test that came back negative, but he's still concerned.
"It's quite shocking," Baughman told abc27 News "Seems like it must have been going on for quite a while."
abc27 showed the letter to other patients of Urology Associates who did not receive prostate biopsies.
"If it's per regulation that every time they need a new needle every single time, then they shouldn't be scrubbing them and reusing them," Aaron Nicholson said.
Jack Zimmerman, however, said he had no problem at all. "I trust him and if he wanted to take a biopsy, I'd let him take it," he said.
Should others in the community be concerned? A Summit Health spokesperson said while Urology Associates doctors are authorized to do surgeries at Chambersburg Hospital, no prostate biopsies were done there, and all needles used at Summit Health facilities are in compliance.
abc27 contacted Urology Associates twice and were told they had no comment.
In the letter to patients, the doctors said to their knowledge, they have not had any cases of blood-bourne illnesses in the history of their practice, and they believe affected patients are at an extremely low risk.
