Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

risk of infection from this sloppy blood draw?? Any RNs here?

So i had my blood drawn for a standard STD screening today and I'm worried b/c it didn't go smoothly.  First of all, her glove was popped at the index finger so her whole index finger was exposed/gloveless which made me feel uneasy. She used a butterfly needle and had 2 vials that she had to draw up with blood however she only managed to draw up half of 1 vial since my blood was just not flowing so she had to take the needle out and re-try with my other arm. She threw away the needle she just used and went to get a new needle, she must've ripped away some packaging or whatever b/c she threw something in the trash, she then stopped and realised that she threw away something that she needed so she went digging around in the trash (not sharps container, normal trash can) for a few minutes and came back with the new butterfly needle and the plastic connector thing (the thing that connects the tubing of the needle to the vial used to collect blood).  

My concern is that she dropped the butterfly needle in the trash and digged it out and used it on me.  I didn't see whether the needle was capped or not b/c i was too shocked that she went digging in the trash for blood draw supply instead of leaving whatever she dropped in the trash and getting new material.  She could've dropped the connector thing only or the needle.....or both????  Do i have a risk of any infection in this scenerio?? I saw that she originally pulled the connector thing (not sure what it's called) out of a drawer and it wasn't in any packaging so it looks like they do reuse that, is this normal?  Chances are she dropped the connecting thing but if she did drop the needle in the trash and picked it up to use on me, is that a risk of infection since it is completely not sanitary!! And then to inject it in my skin, i'm just cringing thinking about it!!  Should i report her for picking something out of the trash to use on me??  Please give me your advice and tell me if i have anything to worry about.  I'm really stressed out about this....
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I think my fear is rationale seeing as how NO ONE would want to get a butterfly needle inserted into their arm after it's been dropped in the trash can! Please, i need advise, not chastising.  Should this be a concern?  Should i call the office to question or report the nurse?  Do i need to be retested?  I would appreciate if anyone can give me some actual answers.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Take it to the OCD forum.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.