… for the dumbest teacher in the world, there is a prime candidate at Dover District High School in Tasmania.  This genius decided it was a good idea to do a science experiment to test the students’ blood, then proceeded to take samples from 18 year 9 and 10 students (so about 15-16 years old), using the same lancet to prick their fingers.

He/she did attempt to take some precautions by using methylated spirits to try to sterilise the lancet between tests.

The experiment happened last month but only came to the notice of Tasmanian health authorities last week.  When the school principal became aware of the experiment he advised the students’ parents to seek medical advice.  There is a risk viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV may have been transmitted between the students – although in this age group that risk is considered low.

School, Parents and Friends Association senior vice president Jenny Eddington says she is "absolutely stunned".  She said:

"We have put so much effort into education of things to do with needle pricks, with sharing of bodily fluids in all sorts of ways,"

and in the understatement of the year:

"It certainly wasn’t a very thought-through process,"

The teacher and other staff at the school will be given training regarding blood-borne viruses, but the state Education minister will not speculate if anyone should lose their job.

If these people need training to understand these risks, I have to ask where the hell have they been for the last 20 odd years.  You know, all the stuff about HIV/AIDS and that … must have missed Tasmania?