What’s the risk of contracting HIV from used tattoo needles?

Question

Hello doctor,

I made a tattoo almost six months back. Even at the time of receiving a tattoo, the artist used multiple needles which I saw changing a few and missed some. I asked him about needle changing to which he said he did.

My concern is what are the chances of contracting HIV in the worst-case scenario that he did not change a few needles.
Also till now I never had any fever body pain or infection around the tattoo.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

The needle can transmit HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) only if the needle was freshly used on another person, and the amount of blood collected in the needle is significant. This is because HIV dies very quickly outside the body. In my opinion, the odds of transferring HIV infection in the above scenario are quite low, as the chances of both these conditions being present together are very low.

It is a good point that you have not had any fever or other symptoms. Testing is being mentioned because we are talking about the worst-case scenario. In short, testing is not needed ordinarily after tattooing; however, if you have much doubt about the due precautions taken by the artist, you can go for it.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I do not think there is anything to worry about. However, no doctor can give you a 100% surety in medicine. For surety, you can get a fourth-generation HIV ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test done from any reputed lab.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.