S.D. clinic testing for illness exposure

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — So far, Siouxland Urology Center of Dakota Dunes has given blood tests to about 70 percent of 5,200 people who might have been exposed to disease by a procedure the clinic used.

A clinic spokeswoman, Stacy Bettison, says the testing is part of the clinic’s effort to have a provisional operating license restored to full standing.

The clinic’s procedure was found in January during a routine recertification and licensure survey by the South Dakota Department of Health.

The department says the survey identified the potential for infection during cystoscopy procedures because single-use products such as saline solution bags and tubing were used on more than one patient before being discarded.

A cystoscopy lets doctors see the interior lining of the bladder and the urethra.

“At the department’s direction, patient notification was part of the plan of correction,” said Robert Stahl of the South Dakota health department’s Office of Health Care Facilities Licensure and Certification.

Bettison said the clinic is offering blood tests to any patients who want them.

The health department has not identified any blood-borne diseases resulting from Siouxland Urology’s activities.

Bettison said the clinic is still collecting results and still notifying patients. “Until that process is complete, we will not comment on the results,” she said.

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