Fifty-six patients' blood stem cells have been destroyed after a freezer malfunction at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CNN reports.
The freezer's temperature sensors and safeguards both failed, causing the loss of stem cells in long-term storage, according to a Sept. 25 statement from the hospital. Since the malfunction, the hospital has replaced the freezer, upgraded the alert system and is reviewing all power sources.
The hospital apologized for the incident, which has not put any child's health at risk. Stem cells, often used to replenish living cells, can still be harvested from patients if needed, James Stein, MD, CMO of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, told ABC affiliate KABC.
The hospital also apologized for their initial notification of the malfunction, delivered via letter addressed to the young patients. The hospital said it is reviewing the notification process and has set up a phone line for parent questions.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Flu season may be severe, health officials say
43 Minnesota hospitals recognized for high employee flu shot rates
Connecticut reports first EEE death since 2013
Flu season may be severe, health officials say
43 Minnesota hospitals recognized for high employee flu shot rates
Connecticut reports first EEE death since 2013