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Needle reuse?
I previously posted this in the HIV prevention community forum and I also wanted to post it here.
After having unprotected sex a few times, I waited until 6 months after the last exposure to be tested for HIV. I got the test done twice just to be absolutely sure, and they both came back negative. After being relieved for a few weeks, I started to get this horrible fear that the healthcare workers who drew my blood were using dirty needles. I thought this because I never saw either of them unwrap a clean needle.
I live in the U.S. in Columbus, GA, and I was tested at an Urgent Care Center (an EMT drew the blood) and at a LabCorp. Neither time did I see the person unwrap a clean needle. I looked down while they were drawing the blood and saw it going into a small tube. The EMT has to fill several tubes as I was being tested for HIV, Hep B and C, and syphillis as well.
I do not know what kind of needle/collection tube was used to draw my blood. The blood came out of my vein very easily. They both wore gloves and as I am sure they have been properly trained on infection control measures, I am extremely nervous because I did not see the needle being unwrapped.
1. If they did use a dirty needle, what are my chances of becoming infected in this manner? I know the blood would be being drawn OUT of my arm (not injected), but if the needle had been in someone else's vein than it still has the capability of infecting me, correct? Especially since it would have to have been a hollow bore needle so blood could be on the inside.
2. I have read that if a dirty needle was reused after a blood draw, you would know it because the blood would clot inside the bore of the needle, making it impossible to draw blood or making it trickle out very slowly. If this is true, than how do IV drug users who share needles become infected?
I apologize if you think me wasting your time. After hearing about the Nevada incidents in which needles/syringes were reused, I have been really scared.
After having unprotected sex a few times, I waited until 6 months after the last exposure to be tested for HIV. I got the test done twice just to be absolutely sure, and they both came back negative. After being relieved for a few weeks, I started to get this horrible fear that the healthcare workers who drew my blood were using dirty needles. I thought this because I never saw either of them unwrap a clean needle.
I live in the U.S. in Columbus, GA, and I was tested at an Urgent Care Center (an EMT drew the blood) and at a LabCorp. Neither time did I see the person unwrap a clean needle. I looked down while they were drawing the blood and saw it going into a small tube. The EMT has to fill several tubes as I was being tested for HIV, Hep B and C, and syphillis as well.
I do not know what kind of needle/collection tube was used to draw my blood. The blood came out of my vein very easily. They both wore gloves and as I am sure they have been properly trained on infection control measures, I am extremely nervous because I did not see the needle being unwrapped.
1. If they did use a dirty needle, what are my chances of becoming infected in this manner? I know the blood would be being drawn OUT of my arm (not injected), but if the needle had been in someone else's vein than it still has the capability of infecting me, correct? Especially since it would have to have been a hollow bore needle so blood could be on the inside.
2. I have read that if a dirty needle was reused after a blood draw, you would know it because the blood would clot inside the bore of the needle, making it impossible to draw blood or making it trickle out very slowly. If this is true, than how do IV drug users who share needles become infected?
I apologize if you think me wasting your time. After hearing about the Nevada incidents in which needles/syringes were reused, I have been really scared.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No, I see no reason whatsoever for you to pursue additonal testing. This really is not something to worry about. EWH
Dr. Hook,
Thank you for your prompt response. This will be my last post on this thread as I do not wish to take up your time with redundant questions.
The reason I am concerned is that I am not aware of what type of needle/collection tube the facilities used and if it would be easy to accidentally reuse one since I did not see the healthcare worker unwrap the needle. I have read your response and am now aware that reusing needles is not a common procedure in the U.S.
In regards to my case, do you recommend additional testing? Better phrased, if you were in my position, would you get another tested after the window period has elapsed in order to ensure you were not infected from a used needle?
Thank you for your time, Dr. Hook. It is greatly appreciated and I do hope reading your comments will provide some relief to my anxiety.
Thank you for your prompt response. This will be my last post on this thread as I do not wish to take up your time with redundant questions.
The reason I am concerned is that I am not aware of what type of needle/collection tube the facilities used and if it would be easy to accidentally reuse one since I did not see the healthcare worker unwrap the needle. I have read your response and am now aware that reusing needles is not a common procedure in the U.S.
In regards to my case, do you recommend additional testing? Better phrased, if you were in my position, would you get another tested after the window period has elapsed in order to ensure you were not infected from a used needle?
Thank you for your time, Dr. Hook. It is greatly appreciated and I do hope reading your comments will provide some relief to my anxiety.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to our Forum. We receive several questions on this topic each month. In some developing nations, unfortunately needles are sometimes reused from time to time and this can lead to transmission of infections such as hepatitis and, rarely, HIV. In North America this is not a realistic concern for the following reasons:
1. Syringes are not routinely used to draw blood in the United States.
2. Vacuum tubes for drawing blood are designed to be used with single use needle holders.
3. Laboratories and clinics are strictly regulated regarding their procedures.
4. Health care professionals are intensively trained to use proper technique and dispose of ALL blood drawing materials following use.
In answer to your specific questions:
1. Very low. the flow of blood when blood is drawn is out of you, not in. thus infected material would be drawn into the tube, not pushed into you.
2. IV drug users "worker" their needles and rinse them to make sure that the blood in them does not clot.
The Nevada incidents are the exceptions that prove the rule and should not concern you. These infections were from needles re-used to give medicine to persons undergoing procedures,, not for blood drawing.
You need to get past this anxiety. it is simply not realistic and is not good for you to fixate on. Take care. EWH
1. Syringes are not routinely used to draw blood in the United States.
2. Vacuum tubes for drawing blood are designed to be used with single use needle holders.
3. Laboratories and clinics are strictly regulated regarding their procedures.
4. Health care professionals are intensively trained to use proper technique and dispose of ALL blood drawing materials following use.
In answer to your specific questions:
1. Very low. the flow of blood when blood is drawn is out of you, not in. thus infected material would be drawn into the tube, not pushed into you.
2. IV drug users "worker" their needles and rinse them to make sure that the blood in them does not clot.
The Nevada incidents are the exceptions that prove the rule and should not concern you. These infections were from needles re-used to give medicine to persons undergoing procedures,, not for blood drawing.
You need to get past this anxiety. it is simply not realistic and is not good for you to fixate on. Take care. EWH
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