Position statements - 15 August 2015

Diabetes Victoria’s position statement on workplace testing

It has come to our attention that some workplaces are performing blood tests on their staff members to check for diabetes.

It is positive that companies are interested in their employee's health and well- being however Diabetes Victoria does not support workplaces performing blood tests for diabetes screening.

Diabetes Victoria recommends the AUSDRISK Tool screening tool which is a completely safe, low risk and an acceptable way to assess diabetes risk. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/chronic-diab- prev-aus/$File/austool5.pdf. A person who scores 12 or more should see their GP to organise a blood test to check if he/she has diabetes.

In 2014 The American Diabetes Association (ADA) issued a statement explaining why community screening for diabetes is not recommended "

"Testing should be carried out within the health care setting because of the need for follow-up and discussion of abnormal results. Community screening outside a health care setting is not recommended because people with positive tests may not seek, or have access to, appropriate follow-up testing and care. Conversely, there may be failure to ensure appropriate repeat testing for individuals who test negative. Community screening may also be poorly targeted; i.e., it may fail to reach the groups most at risk and inappropriately test those at low risk or even those already diagnosed." http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/37/Supplement 1/S14.full.pdf+html

Diabetes Victoria is also concerned that when blood testing is performed in the work place by unqualified staff there is a risk of needle-stick injury and the issue of appropriate disposal of sharps and blood stained materials.

Diabetes Victoria
570 Elizabeth Street Melbourne 3000 Victoria Australia
Email mail@diabetesvic.org.au
Website diabetesvic.org.au
Fax 9667 1778
Helpline 1300 136 588
Facebook DiabetesAustraliaVic
Twitter @DiabetesVic