Broward General Patient Notice Update

Why is Broward General Medical Center offering free screenings to patients who have had chemical stress tests at their facility?

Broward General Medical Center is reviewing one nurses' practice of reusing single-use supplies when administering intravenous fluids during adult cardiac chemical (pharmacological) stress tests. Patients who received chemical stress tests administered by the nurse between January 2004 to early September 2009 were sent a notification by way of certified mail and are encouraged to schedule a screening.

Patients who have undergone regular stress tests, which are typically done on a treadmill with electrodes attached to the body, are not at risk.

How many patients may have been affected?

Broward General Medical Center has sent certified letters to the 1,851 patients who received cardiac chemical stress tests administered by the nurse. Potentially exposed patients are encouraged to schedule a screening.

Updated information as of Aug 30, 2010 regarding patient notice effort.
Note: This information will now be updated every other week.

A second certified letter is being sent to patients who have not responded to the first letter. If you received a letter and have not yet gone for testing, we encourage you to do so.

Patients who have questions are encouraged to call 954-355-5862. Follow-up calls will be returned during the next business day.

 *Not all patient results are received at one time, on account of several factors:

• Broward General Medical Center is encouraging all patients who received notification to be tested. As the testing is voluntary, the timing of the testing varies by patient, and whether the individual chooses to be screened at LabCorp and the actual date of the screening.
• Each patient screening involves testing for three different bloodborne infections: hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
• The screening is intricate and once reported to Broward General Medical Center is reviewed independently and may require further evaluation.

Based on the current Broward County prevalence data, we expect a certain number of the results to identify exposure to infection. These results do not confirm that the infection is in association to this specific event.

It is important to note that because we live in an area with a high prevalence of bloodborne disease, we will thoroughly investigate any preliminary positive test results individually in an effort to determine the origin of the infection.
From the most recent data available for Broward County, in 2008 there were 335 newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis B, 1,804 of hepatitis C and 1,403 of HIV.* 

*(Data obtained from Merlin and the STD & HIV 1/09 monthly report; provided by the Florida Health Department)

Broward General Medical Center investigation report update

Broward General Medical Center has been investigating this matter rigorously. We have consulted with expert physicians and a team of epidemiology and infection experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Department of Health and the Broward County Health Department. Broward General Medical Center also informed the Agency for Health Care Administration, which has completed a site visit as part of their investigation.

Broward General Medical Center’s RESPONSE ACTIONS include:

• Evaluated registered and licensed staff in the stress lab for adherence to infection control and intravenous therapy policies and compliance was validated
• Initiated opening all intravenous administration sets in presence of the patient.
• Conducted an assessment of all outpatient procedural areas of intravenous therapy for compliance with infection control practices. Compliance was validated.
• Re-educate key staff on basic sterile procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have I been exposed to a bloodborne disease due to my chemical stress test?

There was a risk of exposure to blood borne infections when the nurse did not follow the sterile procedure. The bloodborne infections in question are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The only patients who need to be tested are ones who receive a certified and/or regular mail letter from Broward General Medical Center. A patient that did not receive a letter, but believes there is a possibility that they were cared for by this nurse, should call 954-355-5862 for additional information.

What steps do I need to take to get my precautionary screening?

Patients who receive a certified and/or regular mail letter from Broward General Medical Center are encouraged to get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  Broward General Medical Center has made arrangement with LabCorp to provide the necessary tests. Broward General medical Center will be responsible for the cost. Patients should bring the letter and enclosed test form to a convenient LabCorp location. If they lose any of the documents received, or have additional questions, they should call 954-355-5862.

I don’t live in Broward County. Can I still receive a precautionary screening?

Patients who received a certified and/or regular mail letter from Broward General Medical Center are encouraged to be screened. Patients who did not receive a letter but are concerned that they may have been administered a chemical stress test by this nurse, should call 954-355-5862 for assistance.

When will I receive my results?

Patients that are tested at a LabCorp patient facility will be notified of the results within one to two weeks post testing.  Once preliminary screening results are received, test results will undergo further physician evaluation on an individual case by case basis.

Additionally, patients who received a chemical stress test after March 1, 2009, should be tested now and repeat the test six months from the date of their procedure. These patients will receive additional instructions when notified with their test results.