What are the chances of getting HIV from a used lancet prick?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I went for HIV testing in an STD where HIV-positive patients do free testing. One guy tested me with a rapid test kit, and he told me to get urine for an STD check. When I came back from the restroom, I noticed that he was playing with the lancet, and he pricked me with the same. I doubted whether the lancet would have pricked him. What is the chance of HIV when he used the lancet that priced him? I also have another query. I have a skin peel on my hand, and I opened the doorknob with my hand. After some time, I noticed that a positive patient also holds the doorknob for opening. Is there a chance of being affected in this way? I also carried some books and unknowingly touched my nose and eyes without washing my hands. I have an oral blister on my lips, and I accidentally touched that, too. What are the chances of acquiring HIV from all these?
Please suggest.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
First of all, you need to understand that no healthcare worker reuses a lancet. They are doing a free HIV test, so they are not going to reuse the lancet.
As far as your query is concerned, one can contract HIV infection from the reuse of syringes and lancets. Chances depend on many factors like viral load in the infected person, HIV positive or not, how much blood was in the syringe, etc. So, my suggestion for you would be to keep calm. Remember, no healthcare worker reuses lancets or needles.
As far as your blister is concerned, tell me, did you take any painkillers after you developed it? Is it painful? For how many days has it been there? Is it increasing or reducing in size? Revert with the asked details for better help.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I got tested in a center where HIV-positive patients do testing. What are my chances right after she pricks her, and then she pricks my finger? It was free testing. Did you see the pictures I sent you? I have a wound on my hand from lifting weights every day (skin peel). When I went to that clinic, I used their restroom. I touched the doorknob, shook hands with them, and they gave me some stuff. What are my chances of that? It has been 21 days since I went for HIV-PCR, and the fourth generation today. Can I rule out HIV if it is negative? Or can you suggest more tests? For blister, I do not take any painkillers. It was on my lips like a cold sore. What is my chance if I touch after I touch or shake hands with an HIV-positive person? Forty-five days ago, my friend took me as an escort. While I was waiting in the car, he fingered a girl, did not wash his hands, and after that, he shook my hands and used my phone. What if he carries HIV on his hand? I work out every day, so I have peeling and redness in my hand. What are my chances? How can I rule out HIV?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
If an infected needle has pricked you, the chances of getting an HIV infection are 5 to 10%.
HIV does not spread by touching on open sours. If you use toilets, touch things there, and get touched on sour by an HIV-positive person, you will not get the infection. If your fourth-generation HIV test is negative after 21 days of exposure, you do not have HIV. No further testing is required.
Your exposure with the escort was a low-risk exposure, that too happened 45 days ago, following which your PCR and fourth-generation test are negative. I suppose you should stop fearing and live a normal life.
I hope this helps.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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