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Blood stain on tourniquet?
I went to a small private lab to have a blood test done. Right before the phlebotomist stuck me I saw a small brown stain on the tourniquet, so I asked her to change it. I told her it might be blood. She said "I hope this isn't blood and changed it". However, she never changed her gloves.
The good thing is:
There was at least 10 minutes from when I stepped in to take the blood and when it was actually taken off
The spot looked old and dry
I was the only person at the lab and seemed like there was no one before me
I don't remember any direct contact of her gloves with my skin or wound - only with the cotton
The bad thing is:
On IV drug websites all over the internet they advise that reused bloody tourniquets are a risk for HIV and hepatitis
I have no definitive knowledge as to how fresh the stain on the tourniquet was
Was I at risk?
The good thing is:
There was at least 10 minutes from when I stepped in to take the blood and when it was actually taken off
The spot looked old and dry
I was the only person at the lab and seemed like there was no one before me
I don't remember any direct contact of her gloves with my skin or wound - only with the cotton
The bad thing is:
On IV drug websites all over the internet they advise that reused bloody tourniquets are a risk for HIV and hepatitis
I have no definitive knowledge as to how fresh the stain on the tourniquet was
Was I at risk?
Not an HIV concern.
HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions; therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.
HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug users
Mother to child
HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions; therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.
HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug users
Mother to child
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