Potentially infected scope at Kaiser Permanente facility puts 23 colonoscopy patients at risk — 5 key notes

Twenty-three patients at Kaiser Permanente's Largo (Md.) Medical Center were treated with an improperly sterilized scope during their colonoscopy or upper endoscopy procedure, Fox 5 reports.

Here's what you should know:

1. In a statement Kaiser Permanente, said a defective scope was possibly contaminated.

2. The health system said it follows all recommended sterilization protocols after procedures. Kaiser said the possibly cross-contaminated scope was also properly disinfected.

3. However, a defect in the scope was discovered which possibly prevented Kaiser from guaranteeing a "fully effective" sterilization process.

4. Kaiser Permanente gastroenterologists are contacting the 23 patients to provide them with appropriate care options. The risk for cross contamination is low, but possible.

5. HIV and Hepatitis C can be spread through cross contamination.

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