ENT visit disaster

[griffin8]

Hi all. I went to an ENT yesterday because I had an infection inside my nose. I normally am very careful and ask them about their sterilisation practices but yesterday I just forgot. The ENT was a new doctor I had not been to before. And the hospital wasn’t very clean. I guess you can see where I’m going with this question. Can I get HIV from the nasal speculum (tool) to check inside my nose if the previous patient before me had hiv and their nasal secretions or even blood was on that tool? It was just a minute or two after the previous patient that has used the tool on me. I am really upset and worried because obviously my nose also had possibly some open pimples inside as that is what I went to the doctor for. So if the tool was contaminated could I have caught HIV this way?? Don’t say they clean and sterilise the tools before every patient because I’m 100% sure this doctor did not so please answer knowing that.

[Sara_MHModerator]

We're glad our members were able to answer your questions and have accurately informed you that you had no risk for HIV.

***  thread closed ***

[CurfewX]

The only risks for HIV in adults are:
1) Having unprotected anal or vaginal sex, or
2) sharing intravenous needles with IV drug users.

You were not at risk for HIV, so of course you do not need to test for this no-risk event.  HIV doesn't transmit via blood or fluid on objects or surfaces, no matter what.  The only risk to you in an event like this is a bacterial infection, so if you feel unwell, see a doctor to rule out an infection.

[griffin8]

“ see a doctor to rule out an infection”
You mean for a bacterial infection right? No chance of HIV right? Thank you

[CurfewX]

I already told you you didn't have a risk for HIV.

[AnxiousNoMore]

It is unlikely that the tool was contaminated. The only way to know would have been to ask upfront to be shown how they sterilize (or disinfect, depending on protocols.) Since you didn't ask then " I’m 100% sure this doctor did not ..." is more like a guess.
Asking upfront will save all this worry next time.

[griffin8]

Ok but what if it WAS contaminated or dirty? Are you saying I am at risk of HIV?

[CurfewX]

NO, that is NOT what AnxiousNoMore is saying.  He's saying you can ask next time so that you aren't in a panic like you are now.

You had ZERO risk for HIV.  Please move on.

[griffin8]

I have a question regarding menstrual cycle affecting an hiv antibody/antigen test? Can being on your period affect the test in any way? I could not find anything on the internet but it is a worry I have. Prior to this ENT incident I had tested for HIV in the past. It was negative but I’m wondering since I was on my period that day I tested, would that have given me a false negative test or something. As I know some blood tests are affected by menstruation.

[griffin8]

Oh I forgot to ask, i have been infected with staph infection for the last couple of years. Would being infected by staph have affected my HIV test? Does staph cause a false neg test??

[CurfewX]

None of what you mentioned would affect your test results.  Your obsession with HIV is very unhealthy.