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Rectal probes in Nova Scotia improperly disinfected since 2009

was expected to find $38 million in funding cuts - with $8 million saved by reducing surgeries by roughly 1,000. File / Getty Images

TRURO, N.S. – A Nova Scotia health authority is notifying hundreds of patients after learning that medical equipment used for years in urology clinics was being improperly disinfected.

The Colchester East Hants Health Authority is telling more than 250 patients and their doctors that the products used to disinfect transrectal ultrasound probes were not recommended by the manufacturer.

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Procedures involving the probes began in 2009.

They were stopped on April 15 and resumed the following month after staff received additional training.

A review by the health authority’s medical specialist says it’s unlikely anyone was exposed to serious infection because the probes were still cleaned between patients and covered with a protective sheath.

Patients are being advised to contact their doctor if they have any concerns.

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