Needles used in Rapid HIV tests

Question

I'm plagued by anxiety as I type this message. I took my conclusive HIV test last November 9, 2010. It was my 3rd month already. It was negative or non-reactive. Well, on my way home, I forgot to ask or even see the source of the needle that was used to prick the end of one of my finger. A public health nurse conducted the "Rapid HIV test." 

My questions are: 

(1)"Are the needles used in the Rapid HIV test sterile or just one time use?"

(2)"If it's a one time needle use, where does the needle go?" 

(3)"If there's a need of a second prick from inadequate blood specimen collection, is the needle used on the first prick will be the same needle to be used in the second prick?"

(4)."Is there a possibility that the nurse used a previous patient's needle in conducting the Rapid HIV test?"

Please answer accordingly. It will be very much appreciated. Please reply as soon as possible. Thank you.

Note: The Rapid HIV test was done in Canada.

NickOne7 · Accepted Answer

Most testing places use the retractible launchet and are only used one time. If they used a straight needle to prick your finger (Some do) and it was reused on you (Highly Highly Highly unlikely!!!!) This would still pose zero risk to you.  A single needle prick is not a risk for HIV infection. Also the needles used are solid core needles so for sure zero risk. But as I said this is not something that happens. 

No worries

Teak · Answer

Doesn't happen. You can't get infected by a lancet. 

Keep all your questions and concerns in your own thread.

Vcosta · Answer

I went get my check up and they did an oraquick HIV test. I did not see her take the lancet out of the packet and am afraid that the lancet could have been used on someone else. Is this possible. Does anyone know if oraquick lancets use one time retractable lancets? Please answer quickly, anxiety is kicking in

LIZZIE LOU · Answer

NO

Shellye · Answer

Same thing happened to me needed to take blood test at hospital in Australia and diddnt see her open a new needle she wouldn't of used a old needle right?? Now I'm home with flu like symptoms please help

TheoRN · Answer

I'm a Registered Nurse with Anxiety disorder. If that doesn't live to your expectations, I do understand. Anyway, I talked with a public health nurse already. She informed me that the needle used in the "Rapid HIV testing" is a one time use launched needle. I'm alright now.

LIZZIE LOU · Answer

...and you "claim" to be a registered nurse?  WOW

tomMulligan · Answer

YOu have no HIV. It's time to accept and move on. Needles are used once and dispose.

TheoRN · Answer

I'm living in Canada.

scaredlonelady · Answer

Oh Canada . Yeah you guys are cleaner than us Americans NO way they used a dirty needle on you!

scaredlonelady · Answer

I don't know what country you are in, but in the USA public health is VERY safe and would not want you to sue them.

NickOne7 · Answer

Ok, to put your mind at ease, Even if the needle was used on a HIV+ person before you it WOULD NOT be a risk and you would not be infected from it. So ether way you were not at risk.

TheoRN · Answer

My mind is tricking me to believe that the needle was infected. I don't want to feel bad. I am forcing my mind that it's not infected and the nurse did a good job. However, I'm not good clearing ridiculous thinking. Thank you so much!

jose883 · Answer

Hi, I had more or less the same problem. On my first HIV test I did, I whent to a public health hospital on HIV. I didn't see nor ask that the needle was new. On my way home, I realized that I didn't see that the needle was new. However four months have pased since that incident I my new test is also negative. Your mind can play you severe tricks. So, don't worry, you will be fine.

NickOne7 · Answer

You will be fine, Dont worry you do not have HIV

TheoRN · Answer

Thank you so much! Honestly, I'm in severe anxiety level right now. The Canadian public health nurse was polite and friendly. However, I never see her perform the pricking. Hopefully, it's a launchet. I took it in Mississauga, Ontario along central parkway.