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Finger prick and blood draw

What's the risk of HIV being transmitted from a finger prick or blood draw? I had my 6-week negative 4th generation Cmia test and it came back non-reactive. Everyone said that the accuracy of the test is high at that point and some say I don't even need to test again at 3 months because its already conclusive. But 2 weeks later, I was struck by the flu. I had headaches, fever, chills. I don't think I have a sore throat but I feel thick mucus accumulation at the back of my throat. I don't see any reason for this except I'm seroconverting late which nullifies what everyone says that a 4th gen test is conclusive at 6 weeks, or I could have contracted HIV from the tests that were done to me previously. I've had several tests done prior to the 6 week test, some were finger prick tests from HIV testing centers in our country, and some were blood draws from hospitals. I'm worried because I didn't really see whether new needles were used during my tests. These tests range from 2-4 weeks before my flu symptoms kicked in which is the perfect time for ARS to appear. I'm very worried so please help me clarify a few things: What's the risk of transmission from a finger prick or blood draw? Hypothetically speaking, let's say the nurse forgot and reused a needle used previously on an HIV+ person. Can that needle infect the next person? What are the chances?
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3191940 tn?1447268717
COMMUNITY LEADER
This is not an anxiety support forum. If you are concerned that a medical professional is not doing their job correctly, you should contact the clinic or go elsewhere.  Needles and lancets are not reused, for good reason.

Even in medical settings, very few people have ever contracted HIV, and that has been years ago.  I strongly suggest seeking help for your anxiety.
Helpful - 0
3191940 tn?1447268717
COMMUNITY LEADER
ZERO.   Blood draws take blood out of you - they don't inject blood into you.  Finger pricks are never a risk as lancets are used to prick, and they are designed so they cannot be re-used.  No one has ever been infected by a finger prick or by a blood draw.  Even hypothetically, your risk is zero.

As an adult, the only risks for HIV are:
1) having unprotected, penetrative vaginal or anal sex, or
2) sharing IV drug needles with other IV drug users.

Do not do either of those activities with someone of unknown status and you will never have to worry about HIV.

Your test is conclusive and you do not need further testing for HIV.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Hi, CurfewX. I've read some responses and articles online that HIV transmission via sharps (lancets, needles etc) is possible and that it has happened several times before. I also saw a response from Dr. EWH on this site saying that although very slim, there is a chance of transmission from a prick. I'm very worried because my flu kicked in a week after the last finger prick test that I took. Started with a headache like I've never experienced before. Very heavy feeling from the base to the top of my head. My neck felt painful as well. This went on for about 2 days. The next day, I had fever and chills which lasted for about 2 days. The fever disappeared after I took paracetamol. Like I said in my post earlier, I've taken several tests before my 6-week test. None of the finger prick tests left a wound/scab on my finger. A few hours after the prick, you won't even be able to tell where I was pricked. But the test at 6 weeks, left a bigger wound than usual. It had some scabbing a few days later. And now, almost 2 weeks after, I can still see the scar from where I was pricked. I'm not sure if the test was done properly or if this could be because a used lancet was used to prick my finger.
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