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Lewes medical office shut down; sterilization techniques investigated

State public health officials have shut down a Lewes ear, nose and throat medical practice after they couldn't confirm if proper sterilization techniques were being followed.

The state Department of Public received complaints from customers about the sterilization of medical equipment at Delaware Otolaryngology Consultants, 17316 Coastal Highway, the agency said Wednesday.

Following the complaints, the division investigated and "was unable to confirm that proper sterilization processes were followed."

A request for comment from the medical practice was not immediately returned Wednesday.

People who received services at the clinic should consult a doctor and consider tests for diseases such as hepatitis and HIV that may have been transmitted through potentially unsterilized equipment, the agency said.

No illnesses have been linked to the facility, said Emily Knearl, a spokeswoman for the division.

Knearl said the notice was sent "out of an excess of caution" and that this is "standard practice when we cannot confirm proper sterilization procedures as part of an investigation."

The health department will be able to release the information on their findings once investigation into the office is complete. The results are expected within the next two weeks, she said.

Jen Rini can be reached for (302) 324-2386 or jrini@delawareonline.com. Follow @JenRini on Twitter.