Resolved question:
I would like to know the risk of hiv transmission in blood drawn. I went to a laboratory have a blood work and the nurse forgot a syringe cap in the table with some blood outside during the procedure. I closed my eyes during the drawn- phobia- and didnt see if the needle touched the blood on the cap- or if the nurse put the needle on the desk near by. I called the lab and they said there isnt any risk and no possibility of the needle have touched the cap but as they asked my details to review the procedure and make a complain i got worried. What are the risks? Should i be tested? Thanks
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
HIV- AIDS Specialist
Hello,
Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.
Sorry, I need some clarification on your consult . Are you suspecting that the needle the nurse used on you might have touched someone else's needle cap ?
or the cap your own needle ?
You can reply as a followup
Thank you
Somone's else cap- the cap with blood was already there when i entered the room
Ok, The probability of your syringe touching the open cap / blood / syringe is almost nil. All labs and medical personal and labs follow two WHO recommended guidelines called universal precautions and sterile precautions. Once opened the needle and syringe is kept and under no circumstances it is allowed to come in contact with anything, let alone an open cap of another patient.
In the rare case if the needle happens to come in contact with something like cotton, the needle will be discarded. This is a standard practice. I don't think you need to be worried about this at all. No issues here.
Hope this helps
Feel free to ask followups / clarifications
Thank you