No evidence of Longview patients’ exposure to pathogens

Recent test results do not show evidence that sleep apnea patients were exposed to blood-borne pathogens at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, according to a press release.

Last month, the hospital offered precautionary testing to 260 patients who were fitted for dental devices to treat sleep apnea between Nov. 18, 2013, and Feb. 26. Nearly 90 percent of the patients contacted have participated in testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, offered at PeaceHealth’s expense.

The potential concern was discovered through an internal review of infection-control practices. PeaceHealth found that equipment used when fitting patients for dental devices always went through a steam sterilization process designed to kill bacteria and viruses, but additional steps might not always have been followed correctly, the press release said.

The hospital immediately took measures to ensure proper sterilization of the equipment and to contact patients involved.

“We always believed the risk of exposure was extremely low,” stated Kirk Raboin, chief administrative officer for PeaceHealth St. John. “We acted out of an abundance of caution. … We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or concern this process may have caused our patients and their families.”

Patients who received a letter or phone call can still be tested at PeaceHealth’s Lakefront clinic, 1718 Kessler Blvd., Longview. For more information, visit peacehealth.org/testing.