FRANCAIS

December 04, 2004

·         Manitobans are reminded that finger stick lancing devices used to obtain finger prick blood samples for blood sugar and other testing should be used for one individual person only unless standards for correct part replacement between tests can be assured.  Lancing devices are small pen-like tools that hold a spring-loaded lancet which is the small needle used to puncture the skin.  

·         The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Public Health Branch of Manitoba Health have been aware of recent events which indicate that incorrect usage of such devices has continued to occur.

·         Incorrect usage could result in the transmission of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.  In most circumstances, the risk of contracting a serious infection from such usage is considered to be very low.

·         To avoid this risk and to avoid unnecessary anxiety and consideration of further blood testing, all Manitobans are advised to take measures to ascertain that appropriate standards are adhered to or to avoid such usages.

·         On Oct. 21, 2004, at a pancake breakfast fundraising event organized by the Canadian Diabetes Association in Swan River, Man., approximately 75 individuals had their blood tested using lancing devices with removable caps and lancets.

·         Although the lancets were apparently disposed of after each test, the caps through which the lancet extrudes were not.  Cleaning of the outside surface of the cap with alcohol swabs was apparently done between tests.

·         Based on information available to date, it is estimated that the risk of transmission of an infection at the fundraising event is very low and that the most probable number of new cases of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV expected to result from this event is zero.  The risk per person for getting ill is estimated to be less likely than one per 100,000 for hepatitis and less likely than one per million for HIV.

·         For these reasons, people who become aware by this bulletin or other means that they may have been exposed by such testing at this specific event or otherwise are not being advised as a matter of routine to undergo testing for hepatitis or HIV.  There is no general indication at this time for specific measures such as vaccines or other treatments.  People with any specific concerns or questions should contact Health Links-Info Santé or their own physician.

·         It is important for health care providers and all users of such devices to follow proper precautions including the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the lancing device safely.

·         In addition to releasing this bulletin, Manitoba Health is also continuing its investigation of the use of these devices within Manitoba's health system and is preparing further information for the public, health care providers, allied health professionals and non-government health organizations as to the proper use of these devices and how to assist people with concerns about exposures to such risks.

·         To get more information on this issue, please contact Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 (toll-free at 1-888-315-9257) or your health care provider. 

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