What is a lactate test? Why is it done?
A lactate test is a blood test that measures the pH level of the body. This was a commonly used test in Universities across Canada.
What are the risks resulting from this lactate test?
The risks are very low; there is no known example of anyone ever being infected by the lactate test. Having said that, given other types of tests that have similar test protocols, it is estimated that the risks are:
Hepatitis C – one in 1,000,000
Hepatitis B – one in 100,000 (if vaccinated against hepatitis B), or one in 10,000 (if not vaccinated)
HIV – one in 10,000,000
Should I get tested?
Given the extremely low risks involved, the public health authorities are not recommending that students (and former students) be tested for blood-borne diseases. An estimated 108 out of 1086 students who took our Exercise Physiology classes between 2002 and May 2012 are in the risk group (less than 10% of the total number of students being contacted). However, if you are concerned, you may contact the University Health Service (204.474.8411) and arrange for testing. You may also obtain such testing through your family physician. If you do arrange for testing, please bring a copy of to your appointment.
Has this happened in other schools/universities? What was the result?
Yes, this has come about in another University in Canada. There have been no reports of students or former students infected with Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, or HIV as a result of the lactate test using this lancing device.
Why is the University of Manitoba sending out this letter if the risks are so low?
Although the risks are very low, the University takes the health and safety of its students very seriously, and wishes to take pro-active steps to keep our current and former students informed.
Does the University of Manitoba still use this lactate test?
No, this blood test is no longer being used in classes in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management at the University of Manitoba. Blood sampling is no longer practiced in our undergraduate programs. For information on blood sampling, please visit the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) website.
What is Hepatitis C?
"Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus that attacks the liver. Many people who become infected with hepatitis C never feel sick and recover completely. Others get a brief, acute illness with fatigue and loss of appetite and their skin and eyes turn yellow (a condition called “jaundice”). If your body is not able to fight off the virus, you may develop chronic hepatitis which can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure and even liver cancer later in life. Like chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C is a “silent” disease because often no symptoms appear until your liver is severely damaged". (Canadian Liver Foundation)
What is Hepatitis B?
"Hepatitis B is a type of liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus and is one of the most common strains of viral hepatitis (the others are the hepatitis A virus and the hepatitis C virus). Many people who become infected with hepatitis B never feel sick and recover completely. Others get a brief, acute illness with fatigue and loss of appetite and their skin and eyes turn yellow (a condition called “jaundice”). Less than 5% of adults who get acute hepatitis B develop chronic hepatitis, which can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring) and/or liver cancer later in life. Chronic hepatitis B is a “silent” disease because often no symptoms appear until your liver is severely damaged. Infants and children infected with hepatitis B have a much greater likelihood of developing a chronic infection than adults". (Canadian Liver Foundation)
What is HIV?
"By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body's ability to fight the organisms that cause disease. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection. It can also be spread by contact with infected blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding". (Mayo Clinic)
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
"AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It can take years before HIV weakens your immune system to the point that you have AIDS". (Mayo Clinic)