Two Florida lawmakers have requested an inquiry into instrument sterilization practices at Veterans Affairs healthcare facilities after the Miami VA Healthcare System warned thousands of veterans who had undergone colonoscopies that they’d been treated with improperly cleaned equipment.
Earlier this week, the Miami VA sent letters to more than 3,000 patients who had colonoscopies between May 2004 and March 12, 2009, informing them that they might be at risk for hepatitis or HIV because the water tubes and reservoirs used in the procedures had been rinsed but not disinfected between cases as per manufacturer guidelines. Miami VA Chief of Staff John Vara, MD, said there was a "very small but more than negligible chance" that the improper cleaning practices may have exposed the veterans to hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. Dr. Vara said he couldn’t "say for sure" why the instruments weren’t being cleaned properly.
Miami Veterans’ Hospital’s phone lines have been flooded with calls from concerned veterans and family members since the announcement was made Monday, reports the Miami Herald. The VA has opened "special care clinics" to provide testing for veterans who may be at risk for contamination.
Meanwhile, Florida Rep. Kendrick Meek and Sen. Bill Nelson have requested an official inquiry into VA infection control practices. "I am requesting that the VA Office of Inspector General begin an investigation into the potential problems of contamination; whether any patient has contracted an infection from unsterilized equipment; and, most importantly, how we can prevent such problems from happening again," wrote Mr. Nelson in a letter to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. Similar contamination threats due to improper sterilization practices have recently been reported at VA clinics in Augusta, Ga., and Murfreesboro, Tenn.
—Irene Tsikitas
