MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched an investigation into whether there is a connection between improperly sterilized endoscopy equipment and a veteran's positive HIV test. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, requested that the VA look into potential contamination at its facilities. This comes after more than 10,000 veterans were possibly exposed to HIV and hepatitis at three VA facilities while undergoing colonoscopies and other procedures with equipment that had not been properly cleaned. The VA sent letters to those veterans offering free testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. "The VA prides itself on being accountable, and we are extremely concerned about this matter, and as a result we have initiated an investigation," Dr. Michael J. Kussman, the VA's undersecretary for health, said in a news release Friday. "We have an obligation to provide those who have served and sacrificed for our Nation the care they deserve."
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Agency seeing whether veteran's AIDS infection, endoscopy equipment linked
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16 other vets at 2 VA facilities also test positive for hepatitis
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More than 10,000 vets possibly exposed to HIV, hepatitis while having procedures
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Equipment used in procedures at 3 VA facilities hadn't been properly cleaned
It has also set up a toll-free number that @placeholder patients and their families can call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for additional information: 1-877-575-7256.