Acupuncture clients urged to check for HIV, hepatitis

Health authorities are urging clients of an Abbotsford acupuncturist to get tested for HIV and hepatitis after determining she failed to meet infection control standards in her clinic.

Fraser Health issued an advisory Thursday morning that clients of Duan (Deborah) Hu, a registered traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at the Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Centre, follow up with their healthcare providers and get tested for bloodborne viruses, including HIV and hepatitis B and C.

The health authority recently investigated the clinic on McCallum Road and determined Hu didn’t meet infection prevention and control standards, posing a health hazard to patients.

“Results of the inspection identified a number of inadequate infection control practices that could increase the risk of transmission of blood borne infections,” the advisory said.

The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of B.C. suspended Hu’s licence Nov. 14, pending completion of an investigation and her compliance with the college’s requirements.

“The (inquiry) committee determined that it was necessary to take immediate action to protect the public because of the unsanitary and unsafe condition of the practice and clinic operations,” a news release from the college said.

Fraser Health is attempting to contact Hu’s clients but noted her record keeping was below the college’s standards.

It will reach out to more clients through a public service announcement.

Hu has practised at the clinic since 2005, as well as at a different clinic in Abbotsford from 2001 to 2004.

She would be permitted to resume practising once Fraser Health and the college are satisfied she is properly following infection prevention and control practices in her clinic.