To everyone who claims to have knowledge of the Nevada Hepatitis outbreak....Take the time to get the facts about the case. This is why courts get involved and separate the FACTS from the misinformation.
1. Fact: No CRNA or other anesthesia provider at the surger center in quesiton was ever witnessed or admitted to administering propofol in a manner that transmits Hepatitis.
2. The CDC and Nevada public health departments findings do not cite Anesthesia providers as using needles on multiple patients. In fact, for those of you who administer propofol...It goes in the IV posi-port...the patient is not injected directly from the syringe.
3. The Epidemiologists cited the following after reviewing the charts: Over a given time period. more than 6,000 endoscopies (colonoscopies and EGD) were performed with biopsies. the center only purchased 4000 biopsy forceps. In addition, under deposition the employees stated that forceps were "cleaned" and reused. Furthermore, these scope cleaning solution was used on multiple patients(anyone ever read the package insert on your favorite cidal solution??).
4. The MD owner of the surgery center is very well conected with the medical board (former member), ownes 5 other centers, is worth many millions. (For those of you who do not practice anesthesia is blammed for every mishap, no matter what your practice credential is)
5. The molecular bilogy will confirm all the basic epidemiological science, patient interviews, and chart reviews. The strains of hepatitis have been is isolated, maped and a full conclusion of findings will eventually be made (made for movie levels of politics taking place right now with MD owner, ASA, AANA, AAAA, CDC, PHD and Lawyers for the infected). Pure sceince will separate the vector of transmission, not a Las Vegas Newspapers ridiculous assertions. Read the original article where they show pictures of health care providers using a single needle on more than one patient.
In the big picture, these isses are being followed by the CDC, Nevada State Health Department, and the courts. Regardless of the vector of transmission, this is unacceptable for all involved. This is a mark on healthcare as a whole.
This is my first time on this site. If you are all professionals as you claim to be, take some time and research your facts. There is a great book titled "ON Bullsh**" written from an academic perspective. The basis of the book is how BS on misinformation spins out of control when communicated by those who have credentials which lend authority to their claims. Take the time to rise above the media hype and get some facts (or we might all just continue chasing weapons of mass destruction)
For full disclosure I am a moleculecuar epidemiologist by training, former flight RN and currently in CRNA training. I have worked with MDAs and AAs. The conflict between our national organizations is rooted in history, tradition, political advocacy, and when it comes down to it....MONEY. The financial bottom line drives all professions and those who enter them (to some level). This is the case for all professinal organizations and is not unique to anesthesia.
When something sounds absurd it likely is....Take the time and get the facts or we might all continue chasing weapons of mass destruction... without proper intelligence
