HIV Risk

[RSsunshine]

Hello,

I went to a std clinic to get blood work and while in the lab I didn't check to see if the lab tech uses a new needle now I am worried that it may had been a dirty needle or something or that I may of touched a dirty needle while in that room I was having a anxiety attack in there so I can't really remember nothing at all. And I worried that while in the waiting room that someone may of stabbed me with a needle. I don't remember exchanging to many words with the lab tech due to my anxiety attack. I can't remember anything now I am worried and can't sleep nor eat.  

[RSsunshine]

Ok thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  I see that you have made over 60 posts in the past 4 days regarding your concerns.  Clearly this has you worried and I hope that my comments will be helpful to you.  The scenario you describe is not plausible.  Health care workers go through a great deal of training related to techniques to prevent contamination as blood is drawn, blood drawing equipment is designed to only be used a single time in order to prevent contamination, and there are no instances in which HIV has been transmitted through the sort of events you describe (i.e. with blood being drawn for a diagnostic test).  Even if you somehow touched an HIV contaminated needle, HIV is not transmitted by touching or drawing blood OUT of a person.  When HIV is transmitted through contaminated needles, it is because contaminated material is injected DEEP into tissue.

There is no reason for concern and you resin for you to seek further testing.  I hope this comment will be helpful to you.  You need to get by your unwarranted fear and move forward. EWH