Florida: Vets Face an HIV Risk From Hospital Pumps

On Monday, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami announced it has notified thousands of veterans who may have been exposed to HIV or hepatitis while receiving care at the hospital. VAMC said there is a slight risk of infection for patients who underwent colonoscopies and gastrointestinal procedures from May 2004 to March 4, said John Vara, the hospital's chief of staff.

Back-flow from water pumps, which had been rinsed but not disinfected, used in the procedures could pose an infection risk to patients, Vara said. The hospital discovered the problem during the national "Step Up" program to standardize medical procedures across VA hospitals, said Jim Benson, a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) spokesperson.

Though the infection risk is low, "any risk is unacceptable," said Vara. About 3,260 veterans had procedures linked with the pumps in question, and DVA has sent letters to about 2,500 notifying them of the need for blood tests. The department is trying to locate the remaining 700 patients.

Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) said he was surprised to learn that the situation in Miami was not unique. In February, about 6,400 veterans were notified of the need for blood tests after colonoscopy equipment was improperly handled at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn. In Augusta, Ga., more than 1,800 veterans were notified of improperly disinfected instruments used for ear, nose, and throat exams. None of the incidents is known to have caused infections, but they can fuel mistrust in the medical system, said David Williams, a retired Marine who lives in Miami Springs.

Rep. Ron Klein (D-Fla.) called for an investigation into why appropriate medical procedures were not followed in Miami. "All necessary action should be taken to ensure that all veterans are made whole and this disaster never repeats itself," said Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.).

For more information, telephone the Miami VA's call center at 305-575-7256 or 877-577-7256.

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