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May 5th, 2004
Hi,
i got tested at a dept of health facility in the dc area a few weeks ago.A week after I had sorethroat and mild cold.I went back and asked the nurse if there was a chance I might have been contaminated by someone elses needle. She said no...But I am very concerned that she might have drawn blood from some hiv positive guy and used the same needle on me. My questions are:
1. Is that possible? Can someone make a mistake like that?
2. Has there been an incidence of someone getting the virus by testing?
3. What kind of needles are used for testing? I saw small individual needles in boxes. Wouldnt that increase the chance of her making mistakes, if she had to use more than one fresh piece for drawing? Are there safeguards?
Please reassure me.
Btw I got negative after my testing
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andi xxx
replied September 1st, 2004
Even if she did use the same needle on u then the persons blood would still be on the needle so the tests would have been positive if there was a disease present at all in you or the other person
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PattyV
replied September 3rd, 2004
Extremely eHealthy
I really don't think a used needle was used on you.In the u.S., health care providers have an ample supply of disposable needles and I don't think anyone would reuse a needle.First of all ,all needles for blood work are sealed in a sterile sheath and have seal on them.I would not worry about getting sick from a needle in a health care setting.I know mistakes are made,but I would not worry too much about this one.It is protocol to place used needles in a sharps container after use.Only clean needles are kept in an outside container.Most health care professionals are very aware of universal precautions to avoid cross contamination.There are many hours of continuing education devoted to keeping our patients safe as well as ourselves!Be well and calm down!Patty
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