Washington State Department of Health News Release

For immediate release:  October 1, 2013                      

Contacts:
Tim Church, Communications Office                 360-236-4077
Donn Moyer, Communications Office                360-236-4076

Plastic surgery patients advised to check with their doctor, think about being tested

OLYMPIA -- A licensing inspection at Spokane’s Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Center found that staff had been improperly using syringes and drug vials, putting patients at risk of infection. The Department of Health took immediate action to ensure that the clinic stopped the unsafe practice.

During the facility inspection, state investigators were made aware that syringes were being used multiple times, and vials of medication meant for single use may have been used more than once. These practices may have exposed patients to risk of infection. State health officials required the clinic to develop a plan of correction after the inspection in April. The facility complied and the unsafe practice was stopped right away.

State health officials are trying to notify at least 415 patients about the potential exposure. Infection risk is low, but as a precaution anyone who had surgery at this facility between 2006 and April 11, 2013 should check with their doctor and consider taking a blood test for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

It’s possible that an infected person could pass the illness on to others through contact with blood or other body fluids. The infection cannot be spread by shaking hands, sharing food, or kissing. The risk of being infected is low and treatment is available. More information is available on the Department of Health website. View their Frequently Asked Questions page, specific to this investigation by clicking here.

Patients should contact your doctor with questions or call the Department of Health Office of Communicable Disease Epidemiology at 206-418-5500.