CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Federal prosecutors have received more time to prepare their New Hampshire case against a traveling medical technician accused of infecting patients with hepatitis C.

David Kwiatkowski was charged with illegally obtaining drugs and tampering with a consumer product. He's accused of stealing drugs from Exeter Hospital and contaminating syringes that were used on patients, 30 of whom have been diagnosed with the same strain of hepatitis C he carries.

By law, prosecutors have 30 days to indict him. The U.S. attorney's office said it needed more time for scientific analysis and to interview witnesses. A magistrate granted the request Monday, scheduling an Oct. 9 hearing that would take place if Kwiatkowski isn't indicted.

Officials have confirmed that Kwiatkowski worked in at least 18 hospitals in eight states since 2003.