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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Class Sues Scranton Colonoscopy Center

SCRANTON, Pa. (CN) - A Scranton colonoscopy center reused unsterilized equipment, exposing patients to HIV and hepatitis, two married couples claim in a class action.

Lead plaintiff Joy Scarnato claims the Scranton Endoscopy Center did not "properly clean, sterilize and disinfect a colonoscopy or colonoscopes" that were used on her and other members of the class.

Scarnato et al. sued The Scranton Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Consultants of Northeastern Pennsylvania on Sept. 24, in Lackawanna County Court.

Scarnato claims that the Endoscopy Center bought its equipment in February, but did not even bother to read "any instructions and/or user manuals provided by the manufacturer."

She claims that anyone who underwent a colonoscopy at the center between January and August may have undergone "a colonoscopy with an improperly cleaned and improperly disinfected colonoscope."

The negligence also exposed patients' spouses to the diseases, Scarnato says.

She claims that the Endoscopy Center knew this, but "despite this knowledge ... waited months, or until late August 2014, to inform patients of potential risks."

The center began warning patients in August, via telephone calls, Scarnato claims.

She seeks class certification, medical monitoring for at least 5 years, and punitive damages for negligence, She is represented by Michael Pisanchyn.

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