The VA sent letters to 3,260 people who may have had colonoscopies at the facilities between May 2004 and March 12, 2009. According to the report, hospitals officials found, after a safety review, that tubing used in endoscopic procedures had been rinsed but not properly disinfected after use.
Officials say risk of infection is minimal.
Within the first 24 hours, the Miami VA received over 2,600 calls and checked out 350 patients, with nearly 600 more scheduled for examinations over the next two weeks, according to the report.
As a result of the possible contamination, two Florida lawmakers are calling for an inquiry by the VA’s Office of the Inspector General.
Read CNN’s report about the possible Miami VA equipment contamination.
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