By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services has issued a notice to patients treated by Dr. Adi Yoskovitch, a specialist in ENT and cervicofacial surgery, recommending blood-borne infection screening for certain individuals. Dr. Yoskovitch has served for years in many West End and West Island clinics. This advisory follows a review of infection prevention practices at Dr. Yoskovitch’s clinics.

The testing recommendation is directed at anyone who underwent an ENT endoscopy (using a flexible tube with a camera and light) or cervicofacial surgery performed by Dr. Yoskovitch, at any of his locations, at any time since 2002. According to the Ministry, these patients are at a “low to very low risk” of exposure to hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), or HIV.

The Ministry clarifies, however, that not everyone needs to be screened. If a patient has already been tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV at least six months after their last appointment or procedure with Dr. Yoskovitch, there is no need to repeat the tests. The main group being asked to come forward are those who have not been screened after the six-month window.

This recommendation is being made as a precaution, to safeguard public health. The Ministry emphasizes that the overall risk is considered very low, but preventive screening can provide peace of mind and ensure early detection if needed.

Additional details, including instructions for how to get tested and answers to common questions, can be found on the Quebec government’s official website. n