Contaminated scopes used in 500+ patients at Buffalo VA — 4 key notes

The Buffalo (N.Y.) Veterans Affairs Medical Center is notifying 526 patients a procedure they received was performed with an improperly cleaned endoscope, the Buffalo News reports.

Here's what you should know:

1. The center reviewed how the endoscopes were disinfected and discovered the manufacturer's instructions were not being properly followed.

2. Center officials notified 526 patients of the blunder. Although the risk of infection is "very low," the VA is offering an additional screening for no charge.

3. The VA immediately fired the person responsible for disinfecting the scopes.

4. The VA did not indicate a time period the patients were seen or the specific procedure the patients underwent.

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