Mpls. VA: Cleaning fluid was source of mystery residue
A black residue found in four sterilizers this week at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center came from a cleaning product that was not fully rinsed away, and patients were never at risk, officials said Thursday.
The discovery of the residue led the Minneapolis VA to suspend most surgeries during the week until the substance had been analyzed and identified.
"The sterilizers have been inspected and certified as ready for use by the manufacturer. The Minneapolis VA will resume a full operating room schedule Friday," hospital spokesperson Ralph Heussner said in a statement.
He called it a one-time event and said the VA is "reviewing our process to ensure the full rinse of cleaning products is accomplished according to manufacturer standards."
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