Manitoba’s  largest health authority has ordered an enquiry after the possibility of 17 patients getting exposed to blood- borne infections while having their blood sugar level tested.

The authorities are investigating as to how a nurse who had procured a single use device from an industry representative managed to use the blood sampling needle for over a year. It was only when a co–worker noticed her using the same device that the carelessness of the nurse was detected.

Though the nurse changed the needle after each use but the cap that touches the patient’s skin was only cleaned with alcohol before being re–used.

The authorities have asked the effected patients to get a test for HIV, hepatitis B and C. However, they also comment that the possibility of the patients having contacted the diseases is quite remote.

The shocking news has followed another widespread concern over re-use of syringes in the country. About 1000 patients had been offered testing for hepatitis and HIV in Alberta after the case of re-used syringes was reported.

Health Minister Teresa Oswald has ordered an enquiry into the matter, how single use devices could be re-used multiple number of times. A new policy that would require health care professionals to get an approval before getting any single – use device is on the cards.