Body Fluid Exposures

See Needle Safety for information on improperly discarded needles and harm reduction supplies.

Toronto Public Health follows up on reports of body fluid exposures in the community to reduce transmission of communicable diseases.

The Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006 (MBTA), allows an individual (“applicant”) to apply to have the blood of another person (“respondent”) tested for specific infectious diseases if you have come into contact with their bodily fluids. Learn more about eligibility.

The Act covers the following infectious diseases only:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C

If you think you have been exposed to the bodily fluids of another person who may have one of the above infectious diseases, you should immediately contact a medical professional who can help assess the risk of infection and discuss care and treatment options.

How to apply in Toronto

To apply, eligible applicants must:

  1. Complete the application form
  2. Submit the completed form to Toronto Public Health (TPH) no more than 30 calendar days after the occurrence using a method below:
    • Email: cdcbloodborne@toronto.ca
    • Fax:
      • TPH Office of the Medical Officer of Health: 416-392-0713
      • TPH Communicable Disease Notification Unit (CDNU): 416-392-0047

For more information

Visit Ontario’s Mandatory blood testing webpage or call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600.

Toronto Public Health (TPH) follows-up on reports of body fluid exposures in the community to reduce transmission of communicable diseases.

There may be situations in which an individual who is exposed to body fluid is not able to apply for the Mandatory Blood Testing Act (MBTA), or the MBTA is not applicable. In these situations, the exposed individual may want to have TPH follow-up or provide resources.

Examples of body fluid exposures include, but are not limited to:

  • Needlesticks
  • Sharps injuries
  • Body fluid exposures due to fights or acts of Good Samaritans
  • Occupational exposures

How to request follow-up by TPH:

The exposed individual may:

  1. Contact TPH:
  2. Provide their name and personal health information
  3. Provide the name and contact information of the individual whose body fluid they were exposed to

A team member will respond and provide information on next steps.

For more information