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N.J. Surgery Center Sued After 3,778 People Possibly Infected With Hepatitis, HIV

SADDLE BROOK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – A lawsuit has been filed against a New Jersey surgical center where thousands of patients may have been exposed to several blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Attorney Sanford Rubenstein announced Monday that he's already signed on to represent six people who were among a group of nearly 3,800 patients who treated at HealthPlus Surgical Center in Saddle Brook.

A state health report found medical equipment at the facility was not properly sterilized; some tools were reportedly even rusted.

The center was briefly closed in September and was forced to notify nine months-worth of patients that they may have been infected.

WEB EXTRARead the letter to patients

3,778 people were told to get blood tests, but those who have are still awaiting the results.

"I'm just left in panic and fear. I'm depressed. All i want to know is what's going on," Kristin DeBenedictis said.

The sterilization problems occurred from January to September. HealthPlus has since reopened.

MORE: Surgery Center Addresses Sterilization Scandal That Possibly Exposed Patients To Hepatitis, HIV

As part of a corrective plan implemented with the center's reopening, HealthPlus must conduct quarterly infection control audits and sterilization audits every six months. Blood testing for all the affected patients is also being done free of charge.

  • In New Jersey:
    • Call 1-888-507-0578 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m.-9 p.m. to schedule a test
    • Testing will take place at the Hudson Regional Hospital located at 55 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, New Jersey 07094.
    • Bring the letter you received from the center with you
  • In New York
    • Testing can be conducted at any LabCorp location. To find a location near you, click here.
    • You can also call 1-888-507-0578 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m.-9 p.m. to schedule a test
    • Bring the letter you received, along with the LabCorp enclosure you received, and a photo ID.
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