Accidental tattoo needle stick

[StellaL13]

Recently I gave my friend, who is HIV+ but on medication and undetectable, a stick and poke tattoo making sure to wear gloves and using a sterile needle. After being done, I realized that i nicked myself. Despite there being no blood, it definitely penetrated the skin because there is a visible dot from the ink. Should I still get tested?

[GuitarRox]

So, a needle poke is different than an injection.  While transfer with syringes happens, it is usually in the healthcare setting.  But because air inactivates the virus, a needle poke is generally not a risk.  The last documented case of this happening was in 1999 in the healthcare setting.  The risk is negligible here.  Talk to your supervisor for protocol (assume you work at an establishment).  Typically there needs to be visible blood in the device for transmission.  And remember, this isn't like sharing needles, this is a stick.  

[StellaL13]

Thanks for your answer!

[Anxious_girl22]

I would just get tested to be sure. But if he is undectable you should be fine.  Don’t worry yourself about it though

[AnxiousNoMore]

Waste of time testing. You can get e Coli after a burger but you don't test after every meal.

[StellaL13]

Thanks for your answer!

[AnxiousNoMore]

Same with cancer. Etc. You can't spend your day testing for death or you will die anyway of a heart attack from worrying every time the doc asks you to come in for results.