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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital made the following announcement today (May 12) regarding an incident of contamination of a batch of radionuclides for diagnostic purpose:
Tuen Mun Hospital found contamination of a batch of radioactive isotopes (radionuclides) in a routine quality assurance test yesterday (May 11). Initial test result indicates that they were contaminated by Bacillus species with low pathogenicity. These radionuclides were used for radioisotope scan on 12 patients (six male and six female; aged from two to 85) from May 3 to May 6. Two of the patients are in-patients.
The hospital has contacted all of the patients and their families to explain that the results of the radiological investigation will not be affected. For the sake of patient safety, blood-taking and health check are arranged for the patients. Eight patients had already completed the health check. Apart from a 14-year-old female with hematological malignancy who has been receiving antibiotic treatment and was in serious condition, the other patients were in stable condition. The hospital has also arranged health check visits for the remaining patients.
In addition, nine patients (four male and five female; aged from 52 to 89) received radioisotope scan in Tuen Mun Hospital on May 9 and May 11. As these patients received radiological investigation in a close period, the hospital has also contacted them and arranged health check visits to ensure patient safety. The hospital will continue to monitor the condition of the patients. Our patient relations managers will keep communication with the concerned patients to provide assistance.
The incident was reported to the Hospital Authority (HA) Head Office through the Advanced Incidents Reporting System. The hospital is investigating the cause of the contamination. The investigation is expected to be completed in two weeks. The hospital has stopped to use the possible contaminated radioactive pharmaceutical agents and isolator. Safety test and investigation for the isolator are being carried out.
Ends/Thursday, May 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:41
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