Is Blood draw a route for Transmission

[Latish]

Dear Doc,

I had a phembotimist come to my office for blood draw for various blood tests. He informed me that he has worked for the path lab (reputed concern) since 8 years and assured me new collection kits are used for all patients. Furthermore he washed his hands first with some alcohol ointment and then proceeded towards blood draw. I do not remember seeing him opening the needle packet. Furthermore after the draw he discarded the needle (winged infusion set) along with its cover, adapter and cloth in my office dustbin!! Is this a standard protocol for office visit and for a phlembotimist. My questions:

1. Did I get infected with HIV from the above scenario?
2. Can I move on and not think about this incident?
3. Its been 10 days now I have not had sex with my wife because of the fear can I continue to have unprotected sex with her? we are lanning for a baby?

Your quick respsone will be highly appreciated.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

He told you to trust him. So did I. I would trust him if I were you.  EWH

[Latish]

Dear Doc,

Thanks for your valuable response! I got the contact details of the phlembotomist from the path lab and smsed him my query regarding the newness of the needle set used on me for blood draw to which he replied QUOTE please trust me sir and dont worry it was a new sealed pack ENQUOTE

Shoud I trust him on this?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum. We regaularly get questions of this sort.  the bottom line is that there is no risk for getting HIV through having your blood drawn.  It would have been better, as a rule, for him to have taken his used material with him but leaving it did not put you at risk.  It might have put the peole who handle your office garbage at risk for a needlestick.   In answer to your specific questions:

1.  No. Simpley not a realistic possiblity.
2.  Please move on.
3.  There is no reason to worry about sexual contact with your wife realted to this contact.  There is no risk.

EWH