Q. I touched a used needle. Is there any chance of me getting HIV infection?
Hello doctor,
I work for a company where there is one person who is a diabetic. He uses regular insulin injections. Well, I was not paying attention when I picked up the trash can because it fell over, and I touched a used needle. I know I did not get pricked because it did not pierce my skin. I also applied pressure to where it touched, and no blood came out. Two days after it happened, I got sick. I have a cold, and I am scared that this is related to the incident. I want to make sure that there is no chance of any viruses (like HIV) in my body. I just need reassurance.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The risk of infection from needlestick injuries depends on:
- The factors that influence exposure to a greater volume of blood (for example: visible blood on the device, needle which has been placed directly into an artery or a vein of an HIV positive person).
- Viral load of the source patient.
- Deeper injuries and by hollow-bore needles (especially those needles with larger gauges).
Diabetics use fine gauge needle and that too for injecting insulin into the skin rather than into a blood vessel.
Moreover, the needlestick injury you have mentioned here actually did not prick deep enough, you just touched the needle and I think your chances are minimal if at all.Are you unsure about the HIV status of the patient? If you are sure that the used needle belongs to him and no one else, and if you know the person very well, you may straight away go and tell him/her about the incident and your reason to be anxious and inquire about the person's HIV status. That would be the easiest way.
You may get a HIV combo test (antigen and antibody based test) done after 1 month of exposure, for your own peace of mind.
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