The Duke University Hospital system says there is no evidence that patients suffered any harm when they were operated on with surgical instruments accidentally washed with hydraulic fluid before sterilization. The story, which emerged last week, has made national headlines and led to calls from some lawmakers for stronger safety regulations at hospitals. The mistake, which Duke is depiciting as a freak accident, happened when workers repairing an elevator decided to store unsued hydraulic fluid in empty soap containers. Duke sent letters to up to 4,000 patients who may have been involved yesterday, explaining there is little additional risk of infection.
- see this story from the Associated Press