risk of contracting hiv or hep c

[catware]

I went to get my blood drawn and at the end the tech accidentally touched the exposed part of the needle ( part not inside me) with the rubber band for tourniquet, then she proceeded to take the needle out using a cotton ball. I didn't see any blood in it but I think they reuse these rubber bands, maybe change them daily

[catware]

Thanks, very helpful

[Idyllic]

Here is a link that studied the risk of infection or cross contamination via reusable tourniquets. HIV & Hepatitis B (via body fluids) are mentioned but not Hepatitis C.

http://www.gbo.com/documents/Potential_risk_of_crossinfection.pdf

Hepatitis C is transmitted via blood to blood exchange. That means the contaminated blood has to enter your blood stream.  If you look on the internet you might find something so I am not going to say the risk is zero but I am inclined to agree with the others the risk is low to none - just based on the way Hepatitis C is transmitted but I cannot speak for other types of infection.

[catware]

I just want to know the risk based on the fact that they where previously used ( is the elastic band they tie in your arm). It look clean and it touched the outer part of the needle.

[heart_in_the_keyes]

agree w/Hector ,,,, where did you have these labs drawn?

[catware]

I ask and the tech said they reuse these bands and change them daily

[HectorSF]

The risk is zero.
As with all other venipuncture equipment, latex-free tourniquets are for one time use only.

Cheers!
Hector