Risk if lancet was reused/infected.

[tampa159]

So, I wasn't paying much attention to the nurse when I went for a rapid test. I only saw something inside this penlike device (which I later found out could be the lancet in a device). She took it out from the drawer. It wasn't in a package. From what I saw, there was no needle exposed. Just that green stuff she pulled/twisted for a second or two. After that I lost track of what else she was doing. I was deep in thoughts and worried. It was later I found out lancets are manually inserted or removed from devices. Please tell me, what are the risks of HIV infection if she forgot to dispose of that lancet and possibly reused it? Can lancets transmit such infection? Has it ever happened before? I'm trying not to worry, I just need your expert advice/input on this. Thanks.

[tampa159]

Ok, thanks alot. Now I know, I won't worry about it anymore.

[nursegirl6572]

Like teak said, the lancets cannot be reused.  Once the spring has sprung, the needle-like part is inside the housing unit for good.  Also, FYI...even IF a lancet was reused on you seconds after an infected person, it STILL wouldn't be a risk.

A lancet creates a TINY shallow opening in the skin to obtain a capillary sample.  This would NEVER be sufficient enough to cause a risk, plus, the amount of blood present on the lancet would also not be sufficient enough to cause a risk.

Don't give this another thought.  In NO way were you at risk.

[Teak]

No there is not an HIV issue and the auto pens cannot be reused.