ALBANY, N.Y. -- A Manhattan dialysis center is notifying patients after the facility identified, and a State Department of Health (DOH) investigation confirmed, one patient who contracted hepatitis C after undergoing dialysis there.
Approximately 170 patients of the Upper Manhattan Dialysis Center of Beth Israel Medical Center at 2465-67 Broadway in Manhattan are being notified in person or by mail that they may have been exposed to hepatitis C and possibly other bloodborne viruses while being treated at the facility.
"This situation is an example of infection prevention guidelines in action: frequent testing can quickly identify a problem. Steps can be taken right away to correct possible problems, and patients can be notified and tested," said Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, MD. He commended the facility on the completeness of testing and response. Patients who receive care at Upper Manhattan Dialysis Center are routinely screened for hepatitis B and C, both bloodborne viruses.
