Question about testing

[anxiouscanadian]

I had a needlestick injury and have been experiencing many symptoms So early testing was warranted. At 10 days post exposure I went for bloodwork but the lab made some mistake (sample in wrong vile or something like that) and the lab could not test the blood. 23 post exposure I re-peated bloodwork and the lab made error again. So today, 32 post exposure, my doctor decided to take a different approach and ordered a hiv viral load test. Does this make sense? How accurate will this test be? I have not been diagnosed +. If someone is sick (normal flu or illness) will this affect the viral load count? I am also pregnant,  will this affect it?

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hi there, we are going to close this thread now as you have had your question answered.  Please refer to your previous question's answers as well as those in this thread.  

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Stepped-on-a-needle-worried-about-HIV/show/2785400#post_13453314

Good luck

++++++++++++++++++++ Thread Closed ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[Vance2335]

Well I am going to doubt that it was a needle and ARS doesn't start until 2-4 weeks after infection and only lasts 1-2 weeks. You have not experienced ARS.

[anxiouscanadian]

I am pretty confident it was. There was mat that the needle was under, juwt the sharp part stucking threw. Thats why I never saw anything, my foot got stuck on the mat and I pulled and kept walking. Wasnt til I got home and looked at my foot that I noticed the pin prick hole and blood. My husband went back to the location a few days later and removed the mat, there was quick a large dip / hole where a needle cohld have laid on an angle. He looked for anythin that might be there, needle, nail, staple, anything, but nothing was there. All I know is that something was put under that mat (intentianally) and ars type  Symptoms started immediately.  And still persist today, almost 5 weeks later.

[Vance2335]

And you are sure it was a needle? Because it's not that often you find needles just lying around and facing upwards.

[anxiouscanadian]

Hi Vance2335,
I stepped on it. It was sticking up and went threw my shoe and pricked the bottom of my foot and drew blood

[Vance2335]

How did you get stuck with a needle?

[anxiouscanadian]

Thank you for your reply! I am not in Toronto and have no clinics like that where I am I. I hope that this test was collected correctly and that I can get my results, God willing, negative results

[Haldir1970]

As far as I know, the test your doctor has ordered test for the actual virus - its presence in your system and at what concentration.  If you have not contracted HIV the test will not find anything.  Having the flu or any other kind of virus will not affect the results.  I not that your ID indicates that you are Canadian.  If you are in Toronto you should consider going to the Hassle-free clinic.  The can do a rapid test (3 months post suspected exposure) or a test where they send a blood sample to a lab (test for antibodies - not the virus itself) - both will be conclusive.  I have my fingers crossed for you.