The Buffalo VA Medical Center is notifying 526 veterans who had a scope procedure at the Bailey Avenue hospital that equipment used on them may not have been properly disinfected.
A spokesperson for the VA Western New York Healthcare System says the risk of infection is very low.
"In fact, evidence based data of previous nationwide studies shows no transmission of infection occurring due to improper cleaning of medical scopes," said public affairs officer Evangeline Conley.
The VA says an employee involved in the procedures did not follow disinfection instructions outlined by the manufacturer. The employee has been fired.
The hospital is offering free screenings as a precaution, Conley said.
