Ex-Swedish Medical Center Tech Tested Positive For HIV

A former surgical tech who prompted blood testing of thousands of patients has himself tested positive for HIV.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado says former surgical tech Rocky Allen carries HIV and that he is negative for Hepatitis B and C.

Allen allegedly was caught stealing a syringe of the drug fentanyl when he worked at Swedish Medical Center between August 2015 and January of 2016.

He may have switched needles he used to inject the drug with needles used in operating rooms. Allen has pleaded not guilty.

The hospital offered free blood tests to 2,900 potentially affected patients. So far the tests haven't shown any transmission of disease. About 500 people still need to be tested.

A federal class-action lawsuit was filed against the hospital in March.