More Fallout From Surgical Tech Accused Of Stealing Syringes At Swedish Hospital

DENVER (CBS4) - A hospital in California is now offering free tests to 518 patients to screen for possible exposure to HIV and hepatitis B and C after a former surgical technician at Swedish Medical Center was accused of stealing syringes.

Rocky Allen, 28, is accused of doing the same thing at a hospital outside of San Diego. Now Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla is offering the free testing.

"He was immediately placed on investigatory leave and then terminated when Scripps determined he was trying to switch a syringe of fentanyl citrate -- a pain medication -- with a syringe of saline," Scripps Green Hospital said in a statement.

The hospital says they believe the risk is very low because Allen only worked there for 20 days and was under close supervision as a trainee.

LINK: Scripps Statement Regarding Surgical Technician Rocky Allen (Word Document)