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Biopsy and HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C

On June 19, 2006, the FDA issued a health notification regarding reusable ultrasound transducer assemblies used for various biopsy procedures.  These instruments may not have been cleaned properly between uses. This problem with reusable ultrasound transducer assemblies was first noticed at a VA medical center. In one VA medical center, a doctor noticed feces in a guide to the biopsy needle after sterilization.  It was then discovered that this guide was not brushed clean before sterilization and that none of the reusable guides had been brushed clean before sterilization for the previous 3 years.  As a result of these findings, thousands of veterans who underwent a prostate biopsy at VA medical centers around the country have been notified that they may be at risk for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Although it was initially thought that the problem was limited to the ultrasound transducer assemblies used at a few VA medical centers, the FDA now believes the problem may apply to all reusable ultrasound transducer assemblies used for biopsies. Reusable ultrasound transducer assemblies are not used for all biopsies.  If you have had a biopsy, you should contact the medical professional who preformed it. Ask the medical professional if a reusable ultrasound transducer assembly was used for the biopsy. If so, you should consult with your physician as to whether you should be tested for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.  We are a law firm, not medical professionals. We can not give medical advice. You need to consult a medical professional.

If you have had a biopsy that involved the use of a reusable ultrasound transducer assembly and you test positive for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, contact a lawyer at Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates for a free consultation regarding your legal rights. You may reach us toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, at info@pritzkerlaw.com,  or by filling out our online consultation form.

Senior partner Fred Pritzker has over 29 years of experience and focuses his practice on complex product liability cases.  In recognition of his achievements, other lawyers have selected him for inclusion in the 2005-2006 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.  He has written online information on product liability and defective medical product lawsuits.

Links to Information about HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis The following links to information about HIV and Hepatitis are provided by the lawyers at Pritzker | Ruohonen as a public service.

HIV Information:

Hepatitis B Information:

Hepatitis C Information:


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