A New Jersey facility that may have exposed patients to diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C used poor drug storage methods, an outdated infection control plan and unacceptable sterilization practices. This puts not only patients at risk but the employees who are working with contaminated equipment.

The HealthPlus Surgery Center in Saddle Brook, NJ, had operating rooms which were not properly cleaned and disinfected between procedures, says a report from the state Department of Health that had been made public.

State surveyors found the facility improperly stored sterilized items, jeopardizing their cleanliness, while other sterilized instruments revealed rust-like stains, said the report.

Facility representatives said that an investigation determined that the “handful of people who have been removed” were largely responsible for the issues. After it came to light that potentially thousands may have been exposed to diseases two employees were fired.

Almost 3,800 former patients have been urged to get tested, authorities say no illnesses have been reported. The health department says the risk of infection is low and the recommendation to get tested was a precaution. Anyone who had a procedure at the facility from January to September 7, 2018 may have been exposed. The facility closed for three weeks after the Department of Health received a complaint in September.

HealthPlus must conduct quarterly infection control audits and sterilization audits every six months.

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