HIV worry

[vivien6th]

Yesterday,I walked on the road of a street market. Suddenly I found I stepped on something and I noticed that it's an used infusion apparatus with hypodermic needle on it, and there's even some blood in the infusion tube. I don't know why it was abandoned on the street and I 'm so panic because I only wore slipper on my feet. The majority part of my feet had no protection. I am not sure if my toe was punctured by it or not. Will I attract HIV if it did puncture my toe a bit? Thank you so much!

[nursegirl6572]

No risk.  HIV becomes inactive when exposed to the elements, plus there wouldn't have been enough blood on the surface area of a needle tip to cause infection anyway.

NO risk whatsoever.

[vivien6th]

Thank you for your reply.My main concern is that it's a hypodermic needle on infusion apparatus, and I searched this forum and found you advised that "blood in the INSIDE of the bore of the needle is protected from the elements" regarding hypodermic needle. So it could still be a risk?  Thanks a lot and await your reply.

[Teak]

No it's the blood in the syringe barrel that is protected from the elements.

[vivien6th]

Thank you Teak! What about the infusion apparatus? It's not the syringe barrel but it's an infusion tube with a hypodermic needle, like what we see in hospital.There's still blood in it. Is it the same situation as the blood in syringe barrel?Will it transfer HIV if my toe was punctured? I'm so worried and thank you for your answer.

[vivien6th]

Hi Teak, would you kindly advise if it's a risk for me to get HIV due to above reason? Thanks a lot!

[Teak]

You were already advised that you never had an exposure.