The Northern Regional Health Authority (NRHA) public health program recommended that any École Riverside School students or staff who had their fingers poked for blood sugar analysis during the school’s science fair March 19 get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
“Your child had a blood sugar level test in which a lancing device was used in an unapproved way to obtain finger poke blood samples,” said a letter from medical officer or health Dr. Heejune Chang sent to students’ parents and guardians March 21.
The pen-like device used to obtain blood samples consists of a needle and a plastic end cap, the letter said.
“It is not clear whether or not the needles were reused after being wiped with peroxide or if they were replaced,” said the letter. “As well, the end cap was not changed after every use as it should have been and it is possible that there could have been a very small amount of blood (microscopic amounts) remaining on the end cap or an used needle after a finger poke. If this tiny amount of blood contained a virus, it is possible but very unlikely that this virus could be spread to another child tested.”
The school contacted the NRHA to request assistance dealing with the public health concern, said NRHA communications co-ordinator Twyla Storey.
“When the district became aware of the issue, steps were taken to engage public health, to ensure that all appropriate steps were taken,” said the School District of Mystery Lake in response to a Thompson Citizen inquiry. “The district treats all matters of health and safety with the upmost importance and will always act out of an abundance of caution. The district continues to work with public health to address the issue. We are extremely proud of the response and efforts of district personnel, public health, and our parent community.”
Though the risk of anyone contracting an infection is very low, the public health department offered free testing at the Thompson General Hospital lab for anyone who had their finger poked from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. March 21. Follow-up tests will be conducted in three months.
The NRHA and the SDML both declined to say how many students or staff had been tested due to privacy and patient confidentiality concerns.
“Should testing reveal a positive result, your child will be offered assessment and treatment by a healthcare professional,” Chang’s letter said.
