What is the Mandatory Blood Testing Act?
The Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006, allows emergency service workers (ESW) and other eligible individuals (“applicant”) to apply to have the blood of another person (“respondent”) tested for specific infectious diseases if they have come into contact with their bodily fluids.
The Act covers the following infectious diseases only:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit Ontario’s Mandatory Blood Testing Information Page.
It is important to remember that post-exposure prophylaxis treatment should not be delayed due to the processing of an application. Anyone who believes that they may have been exposed to an infectious disease after coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids should immediately seek in-person assessment by a health care provider.
How do I make an application under the MBTA?
- While seeking medical attention, inform the health care provider that you would like to apply for the Mandatory Blood Testing Act. The attending Physician or Nurse Practitioner will need to fill out Form 1 – Physician/Nurse Practitioner Report Pursuant to the Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006 and O. Reg. 449/07. The Mandatory Blood Testing Act is only enforced when the respondent does not comply.
- You, the applicant, will need to fill out Form 2 – Applicant Report Pursuant to the Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006 and O. Reg. 449/07.
- Once both are filled out, the two forms must be submitted together to the local public health unit within 30 days of being exposed. In Lambton County, you can either fax or deliver the forms to Lambton Public Health as follows:
Attention: Supervisor, Clinical and Family Services
Reproductive & Dental Health Team
160 Exmouth Street, Point Edward, ON, N7T 7Z6
Fax: 519-383-6310
- Outside of Lambton County, please contact the area public health unit.
- Your application will be reviewed, and the public health unit will contact you regarding your application.
If you have further questions about the MBTA, please contact us by calling 519-383-8331 or 1-800-667-1839.