VA notifies 526 patients at risk from improperly cleaned scopes

Editor's Note

The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Buffalo, New York, is notifying 526 patients that they may be at risk of infection from improperly cleaned endoscopes, the August 16 Buffalo News reports.

A recent hospital review of endoscope disinfection processes found that steps in the manufacturer’s instructions may not have been followed by an employee. The employee was relieved from the position.

Medical center officials have characterized the risk of infection as “very low” and are offering screening to patients at no charge.

The Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical Center is notifying 526 patients that the use of an improperly cleaned medical scope may have put them at risk of infection. During a recent review of the disinfection process for the reusable equipment generally known as endoscopes, it was noted that steps in the manufacturer's instructions may not have been followed in some cases by an employee of the hospital.