TROUBLED TECH Reports indicate Rocky Allen has a history of drug abuse.

When surgical tech Rocky Allen removed a fentanyl syringe from the top of an anesthesia workstation and replaced it with another labeled syringe in an OR at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo., he put thousands of patients at risk of infection. Two of those patients may have been infected with hepatitis, according to their lawyer.

Swedish Medical Center fired the 28-year-old Mr. Allen on Jan. 22, when the reported diversion occurred. The hospital sent warning letters to nearly 3,000 patients who may have been infected with HIV and hepatitis B and C after undergoing surgery at the hospital when Mr. Allen worked in its ORs.

James Avery, the attorney who represents 14 patients at risk of exposure, says initial testing indicates 2 of his clients show signs of exposure to hepatitis. A secondary test is needed to determine if infection has occurred, according to Mr. Avery.

Mr. Allen was arrested this week and held without bail. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by deceit. If convicted on all counts, he faces more than 14 years in federal prison and up to $500,000 in fines.

Nicole Williams, a spokeswoman for Swedish Medical Center, says test results are protected health information, which the hospital will discuss only with individual patients.

Mark Salley, communications director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, says official test results will not be released until the investigation into the alleged diversion concludes in 2 to 3 months.

According to a published report, Mr. Allen was fired in 2014 from John C. Lincoln Medical Center in Phoenix, Ariz., for violating workplace policy and testing positive for a controlled substance. The hospital is offering free blood tests to the 97 patients who underwent surgery during Mr. Allen's time of employment.

Daniel Cook