Blood Testing

[Matt9333]

Hi,
I got tested for Hepatitis/HIV at a dept of health facility at Frederick MD area a few weeks ago.A week after I had sorethroat and mild cold.I went back and asked the nurse if there was a chance i might have been contaminated by someone elses needle. She said NO...but i am very concerned that she might have drawn blood from some HIV/Hepatitis positive guy and used the same needle on me. My questions are:
1. Is that possible? Can someone make a mistake like that?
2. Has there been an incidence of someone getting the virus by testing?
3. What kind of needles are used for testing? I saw small individual needles in boxes. Wouldnt that increase the chance of her making mistakes, if she had to use more than one fresh piece for drawing? Are there safeguards in the use of needles?
Please reassure me.
BTW i got negative after my testing

[Matt9333]

Thanks All,
But Michael T, I have a followup question. I have heard that the needle used is one time use only and CANNOT BE REUSED. Apparently it gets clogged. Is that right? And would that be used at Frederick MD too? My fear arises from the fact that it was the HIV/Hepatitis section of the hospital( county hospital health dept of Frederick) and hence the risk is more. Please give me your opionion.
Thanks again

[mikesimon]

Hi Steve. Good to hear you've put on weight. I hope that your pcr is good - I think it will be. I was transplanted in June 2000 so I'm about 1 year behind you. As of my last biopsy which was 2 years ago my liver was fine but I've been on treatment pretty much since transplant so I wouldn't expect much deterioration. I will be finished June 20th of this year. I started January 20th of 2003 so it will be 18 months. I've stayed undetectable since week 12 and I hope that bodes well for me. I don't think I will have any more biopsies unless I run into problems. I've had plenty of them, as I am sure you have, and though the ultra sound guided ones aren't bad I'd just as soon stay out of there if I can. But I'm sure the center will ask me to get one sometime soon for their data. I wish you the very best Steve. Mike

[MajNeni]

After use, needles are disposed of in a special container.  Fresh syringes are usually wrapped in a sterile container.  Medical practitioners usually put these containers in different areas of their area, and follow a routine sequence of motions.  Training programs stress all the precautions to follow, including putting on the rubber gloves, etc.

[MichaelT]

I get my medical stuff done in Frederick too - just stay away from the Fort Detrick research labs!!!

Does needle reuse still happen? Yes, it does. Every once in a while you will see a news report where something like that happens.

It is almost universal (that usually includes even Frederick) to have disposable everything 'cept the rubber band around the arm and the squeeze ball. Even so, I watch 'em like a hawk. One genius tech put the vials she drew INTO THE GAUZE PAD BOX where people expect to get sterile gauze pads from... Another, opens the bio-hazard bin lid with gloved hands, tosses something in, and then attempts to draw blood from me touching me with the contaminated gloves!!!

Did you contract something from the drawing station due to needle reuse? Probably not. But take charge and don't let anyone stick, poke, or prod you without watching them take proper care of things.

Congrats on the negative tests! Sweated through some tough ones too!

[scooz]

Hey Mike,I forgot what year you were transplanted.Was wondering how you grade and stages are.Finally added about 10 lbs now.Finally made it to 138 wow!Had my 1yr pcr today,Hopefully still clear.Kinda of looking forward to the 5yr biopsy in July.Hope your treatment is going well,I remember your doing a long one this time.Hope all is well with ya.Hang tough,You'll beat this rascal yet..Best to ya..Steve..Best to all doing treatment and all the best beating this thing.And best to all who have responded and staying that way..

[Tallblonde]

I think there's definitely a sore throat/cold virus going around.  I've been suffering from the same symptoms for the past couple of days and so have a number of people I've talked to.

[britgirl]

People get colds and sore throats all the time. I'd call it a coincidence and stop fretting!