Released on November 13, 2008
Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer is working with a team of experts to conduct a detailed risk assessment into the re-use of single use syringes in the province.
On October 30, the Ministry of Health issued a precautionary alert advising regional health authorities and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency that, in all circumstances (including administration of medication to intravenous lines), they ensure that syringes were used for only one patient and then discarded after use.
As a result of a province wide review, regional health authorities have advised the Ministry that reuse of syringes to administer medication into intravenous lines was occurring at least occasionally in five Saskatchewan communities. Regional health authorities notified the public via local media in Lloydminster, Prince Albert, Weyburn, Swift Current and Yorkton at the time the re-use was discovered. The practice stopped immediately.
The types of syringes being used, and the procedures in question, are not skin-to-skin contact. They are syringes that are being used to administer medications directly into IV lines and bags, and the risk of transmitting any blood-borne illness is extremely low.
"I am working with a team of experts to conduct a more detailed risk assessment," Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Moira McKinnon said. "Given the low risk to Saskatchewan residents, we are not recommending testing for anyone at this time. We don't want to put people through anxiety and unnecessary testing if the risk is minimal."
Once the risk assessment process has been completed, the Ministry of Health will update the public on its findings and any additional recommendations.
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For more information, contact:
Karen Hill
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: khill@health.gov.sk.ca