4th colonoscopy patient tests positive for HIV

Colonoscopy equipment wasn't sterilized between patients, VA says

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updated 5:17 p.m. ET April 24, 2009

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Department of Veterans Affairs says a fourth person exposed to dirty equipment at its hospitals has tested positive for HIV.

The test result revealed Friday is the second positive HIV test from a patient who was treated at a VA hospital in Miami. The VA is investigating problems with cleaning medical equipment used for colonoscopies as well as ear, nose and throat exams at three of its Southeast hospitals.

Positive HIV tests have also been reported from patients at VA clinics in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Augusta, Ga.

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The agency says it doesn't yet know if the HIV and hepatitis cases are related to its treatment, but it has warned almost 11,000 veterans treated at those hospitals to get blood tests.

The VA also increased the number of patients who have hepatitis C to 20.

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