Nearly 2,000 veterans who received care at the St. Louis VA Medical Center John Cochran Division are being told them they may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis B and C as a result of improper sterilization of dental equipment.

"We deeply regret that this situation occurred and we assure you that we are taking all the necessary steps to make certain that testing is offered quickly and results communicated timely," officials said in a letter sent to 1,812 veterans.

The risk of infection was deemed "extremely low" after an assessment by the VA Clinical Risk Assessment Advisory Board, said a statement released by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nevertheless, the letters sent to veterans offered free screening for the three infections.

The warning applies to veterans who received care between Feb. 1, 2009, and March 11, 2010. A problem uncovered during an inspection in early March prompted the hospital to suspend dental services March 11. They were resumed on March 26.

"I'm mad as hell about this. This is completely unacceptable," said Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.), who is calling for a formal investigation into the matter.

Thirty veterans were tested at the hospital on Tuesday. Persons wishing to make appointments for testing should telephone (888) 374-3046 or (314) 289-7040.

[PNU editor's note: On Friday, the Associated Press reported that the facility's chief of dental services, whose name was not released, has been placed on administrative leave. "The mistakes made at the St. Louis VA Medical Center are unacceptable, and steps have been and continue to be taken to correct this situation and assure the safety of our veterans," said VA Secretary Eric Shineski.]