Congress may tackle superbug C.R.E., endoscope issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPVI) -- Congress may get involved in the problem with the drug-resistant bacteria C-R-E.

Several members want hearings, to find out how common it is.

And they want to know what medical device makers are doing to reduce C-R-E on endoscopes.

A UCLA medical center has had seven cases, including two deaths, from contaminated scopes.

Over the weekend, a North Carolina hospital reported several cases.

The lawmakers feel hospitals aren't to blame IF the scopes are very difficult to sterilize.

The maker of the endoscopes released a statement on Friday:

"Olympus is committed to developing solutions for healthcare professionals that help improve clinical outcomes and enhance quality of life for their patients... In addition to the reprocessing instructions and guidance that Olympus has provided to every customer that is treating patients with the TFJ-Q180V, Olympus is making available supplemental educational materials, including an interactive checklist with video demonstrations."