(NAPSA)—TIf you are headed into surgery, you need to know about a hidden problem that may threaten your health and how to protect yourself. In a bid to save money, some hospitals are reusing medical devices designed and manufactured for use one time only. Despite instructions from the manufacturer to use once and toss, these devices are instead collected from medical waste bins, cleaned, repaired, repackaged and used on other patients. This practice is known as“reprocessing.” A recent survey released by the Center for Patient Advocacy revealed a serious lack of public awarenessof this practice. According to the survey, 65 percent of patients don’t know that singleuse medical devices used in their surgery may have been used on other patients before them. Of those patients aware that these devices are routinely reused, almost 70 percent are not aware that they can refuse the use of such devices in their surgery. Single-use medical devices are not designed to safely hold up to more than one use. A reused device may be compromised due to the high heat and chemicals used in reprocessing, creating poten- tially disastrous consequences for the patient. The survey also revealed three out of four surgeons believe that reusing single-use-only devices poses a health and safety risk to patients. They are concerned about the risk of infection and that reused devices won't function properly. In fact, 82 percent of nurses and 71 percent of surgeons surveyed said they would be uncomfortable if a reprocessed single-use device were used on them or a family member. “What you can do to protect yourself and your family is ask whether these devices will be used in your surgery and exercise your right to say ‘no’ to reused medical devices,” advises Dr. Neil Kahanovitz, President and Founder of the Center for Patient Advocacy. To help, the Center has created a patient consent form you can use before you or a loved one undergoes surgery. The form states that you understand the possible risks involved in reusing single-use devices and that you have elected not to have them used in your surgery. Simply complete the form and make sure to provide it to the medical institution prior to being admitted for surgery. To get a copy of the consent form or to learn more about the reused medical devices, visit the Center for Patient Advocacy’s website www.patientadvocacy.org or call their nationwide patient hotline, (800) 846-7444.
