Earlier this year, an outbreak of hepatitis C cases was found in Nevada. This was investigated by the Centers for Disease Control.

The cases were linked to an endoscopy center; allegedly due to unsafe practices in administration of anesthesia. These practices included using single-patient medication vials being used for multiple patients.

More information can be found at:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/NevadaOutbreak.htm

The Division of Gastroenterology at Duke University Medical Center wants to reassure patients undergoing GI procedures at our facilities in Raleigh (Brier Creek, Duke Medicine Plaza, and Duke Raleigh Hospital) and Durham (Duke University Medical Center and Durham Regional Hospital) that we adhere to very strict guidelines of infection control. We do not reuse syringes or needles and our medication vials are single-patient use.

Our infection control practices at all Duke GI endoscopy centers are accredited by the Joint Commission, an independent, not-for-profit organization. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.

For more information, contact us at 919-684-6437.