OHIO SCIENCE STUDENTS SHARE NEEDLE

COLLINS, Ohio (AP) At least 18 fifthgraders used the same needle to
take their own blood during a science class experiment.

Several diseases can be transmitted through the shared use of needles,
including hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can be fatal, and
AIDS.

The students took the samples about three weeks ago so they could examine
their blood under a microscope.

The needle was disinfected with alcohol, but the Western Reserve School
District later found out that may not have been enough to stop the possible
spread of disease, superintendent Dennis Bahmer said.

Parents have been notified of the experiment and will decide whether their
children should be given blood tests to check for disease, he said. Bahmer
declined to identify the science teacher and whether any disciplinary
action was planned.