Students tested for HIV after class experiment

Roscoe Taylor says there is a risk that viruses such as HIV may have been transmitted between the students. (Jane Bestwick)

Questions have been raised about safety protocols in Tasmania's public schools amid fears a science experiment has exposed some students to blood-borne diseases.

The 18 year nine and ten students from the Dover District High School have been told to be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C.

They had their blood tested in a science experiment a month ago using the same needle that wasn't properly sterilised.

Jenny Grossmith from the state's Parents and Friends Association says she's satisfied the principal took immediate action to contact parents.

"We like the Minister were under the understanding that there were processes and procedures there in place for teachers to follow while doing experiments of this sort of nature in schools, so it is disappointing for us that obviously they have fallen down in this particular instance."

The Education Minister Lin Thorp has ordered an immediate investigation.

"This will not happen again in a Tasmanian school you have my word," she said.

The Director of Public Health Dr Roscoe Taylor says it is important the students are tested.

"The risks of transmitting a blood borne virus in this particular age group of students is extremely low, but we can't say it's zero," he said.

The students will have to wait months for final test results.