WHEREAS the number of contacts of blood-borne pathogens through dirty needles is increasing and local government workers, emergency workers police, fire and ambulance and good samaritans are exposed to these hazards, which could negatively affect their lives and their families lives; AND WHEREAS there is a need to determine, in a short period of time, by way of a blood sample, whether or not there is a risk of infection from contact with a dirty needle: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM, through its Executive, direct its staff to pursue and research this issue and work with the provincial government to draft a form of Blood Samples Act, similar to other jurisdictions, such as Ontario and Alberta.
Ministry of Health Prophylaxis treatment in the event of potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens from a needle stick injury must begin as soon as possible to effectively prevent infection if possible within two hours of a risk event and a maximum 48 hours after potential exposure. Laboratory results from blood samples to determine whether or not there is a risk of infection from such an injury generally take at least one week. Therefore, prophylaxis treatment must begin long before lab results from a blood sample can be obtained. The Ministry of Health has supported the BC Centre for Disease Control and the BC Centre for Excellence in HIVAIDS to develop comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the appropriate management of accidental exposure to blood borne diseases such as HIVAIDS, including patient information packages for those who may have been potentially exposed. The BC Centre for Excellence in HIVAIDS provides 5-day medication starter kit to all emergency rooms and hospitals in British Columbia, outpost nursing stations and Provincial prisons, and provides a 24-hour physician support hotline for assessment and medication guidance through a full course of prophylaxis treatment. Based on the evidence available at this time, the Ministry of Health has determined that introduction of legislation requiring mandatory testing of individuals for blood borne pathogens in the context of an occupational or accidental needle-stick injury would not be expected to result in improved health outcomes. Evidence suggests that such an approach does not provide any additional protection to individuals at risk of such an injury, or tangible, clinical benefit to those who may have potentially been exposed to blood-borne pathogens, and may distract from priority messaging that in the event of potential occupational exposure, medical assistance must be sought immediately.