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Avatar universal

reused needle?

Hello All,

I have been tested for hepatitis c. The nurse used BD needle, vacuum tube and holder. However, I did not check the needle. I am not sure whether the needle was used before me or not.

I am thinking that vacuum tube took my blood off. There is no injection.
Is the miniscule dry blood in the bore of the needle enough to infect a person?
9 Responses
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Avatar universal
I hope the day will come when everyone is screened for HCV.
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
Yes James no one should trust those Pakistani needles......never know what they have been up to.
Helpful - 0
1491755 tn?1333201362
How would anyone verify if a needle was sterile ?  The scenario you are describing is somewhat ridiculous, unless you live in a terrible place like let's say Pakistan.  A place where no one can be trusted like say Pakistan.
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
They usually only will give you an HCV test if there is a reason to suspect you might be infected. It'd be great if they just gave the test to everyone in the world but...they dont/wont.
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96938 tn?1189799858
You don't see the engines installed on the airplane you're flying or the brakes on the you're driving.  Why were you tested for HCV?
Helpful - 0
87972 tn?1322661239
Sure; if you continue to be concerned, discuss risk and subsequent action with a qualified MD.

Good luck-

-Bill

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Avatar universal
Any comments?
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Avatar universal
Yes Hector. While the nurse was attaching the two-sided needle to tube holder, I could not understand whether the needle was sterile. I did not focus on what was going on.

Actually, the blood was pulled away from my vein by vacuum, so there was no injection of anything. I am wondering if very miniscule part of blood in the hollow of the needle is enough to infect me if it had touched to my vein?

Thank you

Helpful - 0
446474 tn?1446347682
Why would anyone reuse a needle?

You seem to have seen and know the manufacturer "BD" = (Becton, Dickinson and Company) of the syringe and all its parts, but you didn't notice if they used a new needle?

For further information about handling sharps read the following...

* 1991 Bloodborne Pathogens standard
* The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act was signed into law on November 6, 2000.

Hectorsf
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