Laboratory case scenario
My name is ASY and I am currently working as a medical laboratory scientist at Auckland Lab PLUS.
I and John have been close friends for nearly 10 years. We have been seeking help from each other when needed and, we have sometimes shared secrets.
Back in Auckland lab PLUS, a 26 year old female (Morgan) suffered influenza-like illnesses and symptoms and was tested in our clinical immunology department; and was diagnosed HIV positive.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS; a life-threatening disease which impairs the normal function of immune system and therefore in majority of cases it could lead to severe opportunistic infections and secondary neoplasms.
I later found out that Morgan is John’s second wife; as mentioned before I know John very well but that was the first time that I saw Morgan in the laboratory. Before Morgan leaving the laboratory she asked all the staff to respect her confidentiality and not to disclose any information to anyone.
John is aware that his newly married wife has been referred to my workplace for her influenza purposes.
One week later I saw John and Morgan in Countdown supermarket; Morgan recognised me and she seemed a little startled…. John asked me and said ‘Hey my brother can you tell us about my wife’s results please?’ he went on and said… ‘I am sure you can access the results, and I really want to know how did my wife go?’
It is proposed that I do not disclose any information to John