HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialistneedle contaminationCan my low WBC be due to an HIV infection or Pfizer vaccine?

What are my chances of becoming positive for HIV after a needle stick injury?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

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Published At November 8, 2021
Reviewed AtAugust 3, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a needle stick exposure before 11 months. When I was trying to insert the IV (Intravenous) in a patient, I ended up poking myself accidentally on my finger. I did a fourth-generation HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody test five months before, and it turned out negative. Recently, I went for a routine check-up, and everything was average except my total WBC (White Blood Cells). It was 3.5 million cells/mm³, and my neutrophils were slightly low. After reading this, my doctor wants me to recheck for HIV and any other infectious diseases. I am not sexually active now, and I am concerned. I am a worried doctor. What are my chances? What are your thoughts? I did have my second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine before 20 days. My query is, would the vaccine be the cause for the increase in WBC?

Thanks.

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

If the last exposure was before 11 months and there had been no further exposure, then your test result for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) will be considered conclusive. Fourth-generation HIV test is highly sensitive and is unlikely to miss infection if there is any. Delayed seroconversion is rarely seen in prolonged immunosuppressive therapy or high-dose steroids for a longer duration. Symptoms which you mentioned are non-specific and are unlikely due to HIV infection. COVID-19 vaccination (Coronavirus Disease-2019) is unlikely to affect your test result of HIV. Majority of your laboratory values are acceptable, including WBC (white blood cells) (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). Chances of HIV acquisition are non-existent if there is no further exposure.

Best wishes.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the reply.

I do not have any other exposure. I have had tattoos done but again the place was very clean and all needles were brand new out of the box prior to being used. What could be the reason for the fluctuations in my blood values?

Thanks.

Hello,

Welcome.back to icliniq.com.

The fluctuations are just borderline low and may not be related to HIV. You just need multivitamin supplements for a month and good diet. Kindly repeat your blood counts after a month.

Best wishes.

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

Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

HIV/AIDS specialist

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