Is this a risk? Teak what do you think?

Hi Teak, hope you can help me,
I have been worried about getting HIV from a blood test, which I know is RIDICULOUS and isn't my question, so please read on.................anyhow, I have a good friend ( I've known her for  years), she's a nurse, anyhow, she called me over to her place, and said, look I have some blood taking needles ( the vacuum type with a hollow bore) take a look,( the needles were already opened, she opened them before I got there)  there's no way you could injure yourself with them without shouting ouch or jumping a mile or me not knowing, and of course she was right. I took the needles home( so that if I was being doubtful I could remind myself), and about 2 WEEKS later I was looking at the needles and I scratched my finger with it, the needle damaged the skin like a paper cut, the needle broke the skin, it didn't bleed. I didn't open the needles, she did before I got to her place. I have no idea if they were sterile or not. She has had nedlestick injuries x3 from work in the past 10 years, she told me the last one was a year or so ago. After seeing what sort of state I was in, she agreed to go for a HIV test, to show me I had nothing to fear, even if she has stabbed herself, it was negative. ( I have no idea if she has been at risk in the past 3 months, I doubt she would tell me as she knows how worried I am)  What my question is, :

Even if she had HIV, would it have survived on the end of the needle for up to 2 weeks?

There was no visable blood on the needle, and none visable inside it ( down the hollow)

I know what a silly thing I have done- Hope you don't think I'm a pest, just want to know if I need a test.

[LIZZIE LOU]

i think dr. hansfield advised you well on this!

[Teak]

If I answered you wouldn't get the benefit of your 15 dollars. Anyway you wasted 15 bucks. You were never at risk.

[Mcallice]

Thanks to you both,

Are you saying no risk beacuse HIV would not survive outside the body for two weeks, or because there would have to be visable wet blood?

I think Dr Hansfield just thought I was a nut case, but I'm not, I'm just a mum of two kids who's really scared. I have thought about this so much that I feel now it wouldn't matter if I had HIV or Hep c, I know I wouldn't drop down dead tomorrow or anytime soon, but I couldn't stand the thought of having both- I know having co-infection would be a lot more serious, and surely would kill me.

[Teak]

No he didn't think you were a nutcase. He gave you the facts. You were not a risk for HIV let alone HCV.

[Mcallice]

But he didn't say why no risk, I have read you saying, sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and blood transfusions, they are the ways to get HIV. If she had injured herself, then I did, then isn't that the same as sharing the needle?? Tell me if I am wrong, why I am wrong.

[Teak]

Did you inject something into a vein that had just been used to inject someone else? No. You did not have a risk.

[Mcallice]

But what if there was blood on the needle, isn't that how healthcare workers get HIV, from a needlestcik injury?

[Teak]

There has only been 150+ Healthcare workers that have ever been infected since 1985. Those that have been, were injected with a loaded syringe.

[Mcallice]

So you say a needle with dry blood on, wouldn't do it? But what you are saying is basically, it would have to be fresh blood, that came into contact with my blood and injected in, my sitauation is more like an encounter with a sharp environmental surface- would you agree?


I know you probably think what a twit, but you have helped me you know, I want you to know that. I am not scared of HIV, I know my life would be the same, just being careful in the bedroom and taking medicines, but like I said I am scared of being co-infected with Hep C, and am worried that would be my life over with. I know I would have to hit the jackpot from hell for that to happen on one single exposure, but I know its not impossible. Thanks for answering my questions Teak, I know you are living with HIV, and I hope you are happy, I know you spend a lot of your time trying to help people out, and you will get your reward, I am sure of it.

[Mcallice]

Please reply, it will help me sleep tonite.x

[dj606]

take teaks advice and get over it no risk is no risk

[Mcallice]

I asked Teak to reply to me, with respect of course to you, if it were that easy, do you think I would be even posting this question?

[Mcallice]

So you say a needle with dry blood on, wouldn't do it? But what you are saying is basically, it would have to be fresh blood, that came into contact with my blood and injected in, my sitauation is more like an encounter with a sharp environmental surface- would you agree?

I know you are/were a paramedic Teak, can I ask you if you had an occupational exposure which resulted in your HIV diagnosis? I hope you don't think that's too personal, I apologise if it is. I think you're great.
I know you probably think what a twit, but you have helped me you know, I want you to know that. I am not scared of HIV, I know my life would be the same, just being careful in the bedroom and taking medicines, but like I said I am scared of being co-infected with Hep C, and am worried that would be my life over with. I know I would have to hit the jackpot from hell for that to happen on one single exposure, but I know its not impossible. Thanks for answering my questions Teak, I know you are living with HIV, and I hope you are happy, I know you spend a lot of your time trying to help people out, and you will get your reward, I am sure of it.

[Mcallice]

Just read on the CDC website, that improperly discarded needles outside healthcare settings, do pose a risk, from blood bourne virus's, it doesn't mention blood at all when it mentions the needles, or time since last use etc. It does say the incidences pose a low risk? What do make of this?

[dj606]

if you continue to question a conclusive negative or a no risk situation your account will be banned thats your risk bud

[dj606]

i get all my info from teak and lizzie they both know alot about hiv/aids so im telling you the same thing teak is gonna tell you hiv does not live outside a host

[Mcallice]

There's no need to get nasty. Thats what the CDC says- this is a forum isn't it? A place to get other people's opinion, and like others have said Lizzie Lou and Teak, are just educated lay people at the end of the day, they are not Dr's or scientists, or are they?

[dj606]

thats medhelps rules read the rules

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.