infusion sets

[hcll]

i am a diabetic and using insulin pump infusion sets for years.  sometimes i see imperfections on them.  i found a browish, red color on the adhesive along with a few black dots on another set.  i also found a dark reddish substance smeared on the outside of the package.  I am concerned with the risks of being contaminated with HIV.  The help center from the distribution center said they want the defective ones back to inspect which make me anxious.  I asked if there is anything i should be worrying about and he said he really cant say since he d/n know what i am looking at.  He said that he highly doubts I would catch anything since it was sealed when i received the insusion sets and that means it went thru the sterilization process. My family thinks i am being silly since these are sterile and stuff my fall on it during the sterilization process, but i need an expert to tell me what they think.  Would anything even survive on the needle by the time it gets to me?  It is not a syringe wither but a needle to insert a catheter.  Should I wipe the needles off with alcohol from now on before using?
Please Help.
Thanks.

[hcll]

I didn't realize these types of issues cannot be addressed on this forum. I did contact the company and they said to write them.  I apologize for addressing this on the forum and appreciate your response.

[LIZZIE LOU]

if you are concerned about the sterilization procedure...contact the company and discuss this issue with "them"...it is not a concern of this forum.

[hcll]

I appreciate your response. Do you have any insight regarding the sterilization process? I only ask because althouugh I do not think the medical supply company would send me something that is not sterile., I am wondering why there are sometimes smears/dots of various colors on the adhesive next to the needle if they had gone through the sterilization process.  When I find stuff on ANY of the supply parts, it makes me question the needle itself which could pose a threat.  I would think there would be a standard before sending them out.  

I read an article a while back regarding a prefilled syringe that was given to a little girl with an illness.  She passed away because there was a fatal bacteria inside the syringe because the factory did not sterilize their water, etc..  According to the article,the manufacturer and employees were not following FDA regulations such as chewing gum and maybe not even wearing gloves.  
When I read things like this I begin to worry.  

[nursegirl6572]

Seek some professional mental health help for your irrational and completely unrealistic fears.

The medical supply company isn't going to send you something contaminated, number 1.  Number 2....even IF there was a drop or smear of HIV POS blood on the set...it is not going to pose a risk, as the virus cannot remain active outside of the body.

"My family thinks i am being silly since these are sterile"

You should listen to your family.


"stuff my fall on it during the sterilization process"
A perfect example of your irrational thought processes.  First of all, this equipment isn't sterilized after someone else used it, and then re-sent to a new customer.... each kit is manufactured as new, and secondly...you obviously have no concept of the sterilization process.  Stuff cannot "just fall on items being sterilized.

Seek help!!!!!!!