Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dermatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Five days ago, I went to a private hospital because of a cyst. The nurse at the hospital asked me to take a blood sugar test. She and I have had misunderstandings in the past, and I am worried if she used a used needle to collect my sample. I am sure that the syringe was new, but I am unsure about the needle. A friend of mine said that it is not possible because if it is a used needle you can not draw the blood. However, after drawing my blood, the needle hub was blocked. I was the first patient at the blood collection center that day, but I am scared that I might have contracted HIV if it was a used needle. My question is, how long does HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) survive in a used needle? Can you please help me?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern. However, health care workers are trained to follow universal precautions. So they will not reuse needles. If no other patient was present, there is nothing to worry about.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response. I am sure that no other patients were there that day, but I do not know about the previous day. I am only worried if the nurse used a previously used needle as an act of revenge.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
There is nothing to worry. Health care providers will not take revenge like these as professionals cannot do such activities. If the syringe is new, then the needle also will be new. This is because it comes in the same pack. So just forget the episode and lead a normal life.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
You are right, as I could not lead a normal life for the past four days. My only doubt is if it was a used needle, is the risk of contracting HIV lower or higher? Also, how long does HIV survive in the blood? My friend said that the blood was blocked in the needle hub, so it could not suck again. Are there any documented cases you have seen of that type of episode, doctor?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Once it is new, you need not worry about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV can be transmitted by reusing needles that an HIV-infected person uses. However, it is unlikely in your scenario. If the nurse used the needle after a long gap, the blood would have dried, and your chances of getting HIV are too remote. So you need not worry as the nurse opened it right before you.
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Dermatology
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