Toronto Public Health issues warning after contaminated lancets used at health fair

Toronto Public Health (TPH) officials have advised people who attended a health fair in Scarborough last week to monitor their health and to followup with a health care provider after contaminated lancets were used during blood glucose testing.

Officials said the lancets were used at the Vision Infinite Foundation health fair at the Scarborough Village Recreation Centre on March 25.

“Through the investigation, staff confirmed that blood glucose testing was offered but the lancet/needle was not consistently changed between clients at the health fair,” TPH spokesperson Dr. Herveen Sachdeva said in a statement.

“While certain viruses carried in the blood, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, can be passed through re-use of lancets, the chances of these viruses being passed are very low.”

READ MORE: Student pricked by discarded needle in popular Victoria park

TPH said staff have followed up directly with approximately 20 to 30 people potentially affected by advising them of the potential health risk.

Officials said there is no risk to people who attended the health fair but did not have the blood-sugar test for diabetes.

“As soon as TPH became aware of the matter and as part of the investigation, we followed up directly with the event organizers, their staff and volunteers,” Sachdeva said.

READ MORE: 1,307 patients potentially exposed to hepatitis B and C at Grey Nuns, Misericordia hospitals in Edmonton

“We are presently scoping out required Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) training for the organization’s staff and volunteers from this event who may have been involved in this infection control breach.”

TPH said staff continue to investigate the matter and the event organizers have been cooperative.

Attendees who are concerned about their health can also call TPH at 416-338-8400 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, or 311 after business hours.