iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersDermatologyhiv risk factors

Can I get HIV from having blood drawn from a vacutainer needle?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I went for a routine blood test at a private clinic. The person in the lab used a vacutainer needle to draw blood. After three weeks of that incident, I had an incident of headache and neck and body pain. Also, I had mouth ulcer and rash which I never had before. I do not know if they resemble ARS or my anxiety. I was in terrible fear of contracting HIV virus from the blood draw. I know it may sound irrational but can I get HIV from drawing blood if the needle was reused. It also took him some time to take my blood. I had done a test at four and six weeks after the incident which was negative but I am still in fear. I never had sex nor do I use drugs. Please release my anxiety. Can I get HIV from having my blood draw from vacutainer needle? Please give a detailed reply.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Sangeeth Kumar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Is the needle used by any other patient or only for yourself?

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I do not know. I suspect it was reused. Can I get HIV by this drawing of blood? I am kind of worried.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Sangeeth Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Did he open the needle in front of you? Do not get tensed.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I did not observe that but my irrational thinking is taking the best out of me. I got symptoms like mouth ulcer and rash which I never had before. That is why. Otherwise, I never had sex nor do I use drugs. So, I am worried whether it is possible to get HIV from the procedure of blood draw. I got tested after four and six weeks of that incident which were negative but I am still in the window period. So, what are the chances of HIV from a blood draw from a needle?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Sangeeth Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

The risk of HIV infection increases following exposure if:

  1. The source patient has advanced HIV disease.
  2. The device was previously placed in the source patient's blood vessel.
  3. There is visible blood on the source device, causing injury.
  4. Amount of blood transferred.
  5. If the injury is deep in nature.

And you have had an HIV test done at four weeks and six weeks. Did you go for a fourth-generation HIV test? Do not get tensed. Be relaxed. Your stress is causing more symptoms.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I did HIV rapid flow through immunofiltration.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Sangeeth Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Go for HIV DUO test. This clears your doubt. Be cool and do not get tensed.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

This test is not available in my city. Has anyone got HIV from blood draw in the world? Also, the flow of blood was outward. So, was there a major risk? I did not have fever and my skin rash was at the seventh week, and mouth ulcer was at the sixth week. Are the symptoms late for an ARS? Is the test which I did reliable at six weeks or not? I am too concerned.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Sangeeth Kumar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The test which you have done is reliable, but the test which I have suggested can detect HIV even in two weeks also. I suggested basically for your peace of mind. The average risk is 0.3 %. So, the probability is very less. You are thinking too much and getting tensed.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Answered byDr. Sangeeth Kumar

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At March 25, 2018
Reviewed AtMarch 25, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sangeeth Kumar
Dr. Sangeeth Kumar

Dermatology

Consult this doctor
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Which test can be used to test HIV after having sex using two condoms?

Protection broke during insertion and I pulled out. Can STDs be passed in this period?

What are the possible ways I can get an HIV infection?

Does a breakout of cold sores mean I am HIV positive?

Read answers about:

needle contaminationhiv risk factors

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Dermatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Trustpilot

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.