Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Two months back, I was drawing an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)-positive patient's blood (it said in her chart she was undetectable) with a butterfly needle. I retracted the needle when finished. I cleaned up, and as I was leaving the room, I noticed my index finger was hurting, but I did not feel any needle poke (which I was sure I would know if I was stuck by one). I went out of the room and checked for holes in my glove, which I did not see, and no blood. I may be paranoid because of the temporary pain I felt afterwards, and I'm unsure why it was hurting. I am positive I retracted the needle, so I am just questioning why my finger hurts. But my question is, what are the chances of me contracting it if she were undetectable? Also, my daughter accidentally scratched me with her nail on my face today, and I have a very small open cut, but no visible blood. Is that a way of contracting the virus?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern. As per the description, I feel there was no prick during the process. However, the pressure of holding it during the process might have initiated some pain. Moreover, the chances of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) would be very low, with undetectable viral loads. You should have consulted your doctor immediately for risk assessment. At least next time, whenever you are in doubt, consult immediately. I feel the risk of transmission of HIV by the given description is almost nil. If you are still too anxious about it, then please go for the HIV 4th-generation antibodies test now, and after three months, you will be relieved of anxiety totally and get conclusive results. The scratch has not led to bleeding. So there is no source of blood to infect. Moreover, her nails and skin are intact, so there is no portal of entry for HIV. Skin and nails are effective barriers. So no need to worry about it.
I hope this helps.
Thanks, and take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I understand everything you said. I have read that undetectable people cannot transmit the virus through sex, but is that true for needle sticks? What is the percentage you think? Also, in your opinion, do most needle sticks cause bleeding? Also, I am going to get a blood test done tomorrow. It will be 46 to 47 days post-exposure. How accurate is it?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
The risk of transmission is too low to almost nil by needle sticks with undetectable people, and I cannot comment percentage-wise. Anyway, in this scenario, I feel the risk of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is almost nil. The HIV 4th-generation test is considered almost conclusive after one month of exposure. So the chances of HIV tests coming positive later are almost nil. But it would be better to go for an HIV antibody test after three months of last exposure for conclusive results and to be relieved of anxiety.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
Another question I have is, can dysautonomia affect an HIV result? I had COVID almost two years ago and ended up with a mild case of autonomic dysfunction from it, per my cardiologist. I read somewhere that certain autoimmune diseases can affect the result. Also, what are the chances of transmission from a needle stick if a person is not undetectable?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Dysautonomia is unlikely to affect HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test results. The risk of transmission, if undetectable, is very low to almost nil by needle stick injuries. It is reduced, though it cannot be quantified. The risk is almost nil in your scenario, as the prick is unlikely.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
So I went and got the 4th-generation test done yesterday and received my results, and I am negative. Thanks for your help. It relieved a lot of my anxiety.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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