Daily BrewPEI university students face ‘extremely low’ health risk from blood tests in class
Imagine getting a letter in the mail warning that something you did as part of your education may have put you at risk of contracting a dangerous disease.
That's the shock more than 300 current and former University of Prince Edward Island students and student instructors received after concerns were raised that blood testing done as part of their course work could have exposed them to HIV or hepatitis B or C.
The students were using blood glucose testing equipment during class as part of two biology courses. Taking the blood tests was optional.
While a disposable lancet (needle) was used to pierce the vein, the receptacles for the blood were just cleaned and reused.
After reviewing its procedures, the university sent trackable letters via Xpresspost to 295 students and eight student instructors last Friday, CBC News reported.
"We're very concerned in terms of getting a hold of our students and informing them about the risk," Christian Lacroix, the university's dean of science, told CBC News, adding the risk of infection is minimal.
"In terms of the risk of transmission, the chief public health officer will tell you the same thing, the risk is assessed as being extremely low."
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The university twigged to the potential danger after seeing news reports about problems with improperly administered diabetes tests at Winnipeg's Southeast Collegiate, an aboriginal high school.
The university consulted P.E.I. Chief Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison before sending out the letters. She agreed the risk of transmission was extremely low "but there was a risk nevertheless."
"Occasionally there can be flashback of some blood when they test the person's blood and it can get in the device itself," Morrison told CBC News.
"So though the needle is changed there may be some blood left behind in the cap of the device."
Testing will be available for any of the nursing and nutrition students in the two human physiology courses because there is no way of knowing which ones took the optional test.
"I wish to express my regret that this situation has occurred," Lacroix said in a statement reported by QMI News Agency.
"The health and safety of our students is paramount and I assure you that all steps are being taken to review procedures and protocols."
The university said in a news release that the risks involve students who took the courses in 2010 through 2012.
