Veteran Tests Positive for HIV After Colonoscopy with Unsterilized Equipment

The Department of Veterans Affairs revealed one veteran tests positive for the HIV virus after receiving a colonoscopy with unsterilized equipment at a VA medical facility.

The location of the medical facility where the veteran had the colonoscopy has not been released.

There are 3 VA facilities involved in the US Department of Veteran Affairs investigation into the unsterilized  colonoscopy equipment; the VA hospital in Murfreesboro, Tn, an ear,nose and throat clinic in Augusta, Ga, and the Miami’s VA Medical Center.

3,174 veterans have been tested so far. At least 16 of those veterans have tested positive for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

The Va said, “These results do not indicate that there is any relationship between these patients’ conditions and the endoscopy procedures they underwent. However, VA is conducting an epidemiologic investigation to look into the possibility of such a relationship.” 

Just the fact that our Veterans have to be put through this ordeal is an outrage. We owe them so much more.