By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD
In a science experiment at a Tasmanian Dover District high school, a teacher took blood samples from grade 9 and 10 students using the same needle. They were testing blood pH levels. Now students are being tested for HIV infection. The needle was dipped in methylated spirits each time before pricking but authorities say this is not enough to prevent transmission of HIV and other viruses like Hepatitis B and C.
The incident with the needle occurred on 9th August but the health authorities were informed three weeks later. Now the 18 affected students and their families would have a six months wait as they have a series of tests to ensure they have not contracted the blood-borne viruses hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.
Education Minister Lin Thorp expressed her indignation as she announced an investigation into the incident and questioned why it took so long to alert authorities. The incident was informed to the Tasmania's public health director Dr Roscoe Taylor on Tuesday last week, and Ms Thorp was only briefed late on Monday. Under the Public Health Act 1997 it is mandatory to report a blood-borne disease immediately to health officials.