[Question #10849] Blood draw
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19 months ago
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I had blood drawn at Quest Diagnostic. I saw the attenedent and had new gloves and used disposable draw needle, but it looked like she placed the open gauze pad down on the adjoining cabinet, which also held the disposal box, before putting the gauze over the draw site, post draw. What are the chances of bloodborne disease (HIV or HEPATITIS, etc.) getting on the gauze pad and enter my system per the draw site?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
19 months ago
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Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your question. I'll be glad to comment. The situation you describe was no risk for acquistion of any blood borne infection such as HIV or hepatis B.
It is unlikely that the surface of the counter that the gauze was on was contaminated and if it was, it is unlikely that the contamination was from a person with HIV or hepatitis. Even if it was, these viruses are not transmitted on gauze pads which may have rested on a contaminated surface. There needs to be direct, not indirect, not indirect contact for transmission to occur.
No one has ever been infected through the sort of events you describe. You are not going to be the first/
I hope that this information is helpful. please don't worry. EWH
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19 months ago
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Thank you for the reassurance. I have anxiety that I am in therapy to try and resolve.
The reason I was getting tested was that I get spots on the edges of my tongue that have a white paremeter. I have had sleep apenea in the past and know that sometimes I chew my tongue in my sleep. My concern has been the white paremeter of the spots, fears that it might be syphilis or HIV. The spots heal up fairly quickly.
Both my girlfriend and I have tested negative, and we are monogamous, but I get concerned that the tests results are wrong.
She had a battery of sti tests, including RPR and HIV Duo and HIV RNA - 7 months after her last relationship, negative.
I have had a multitude of tests, 9 months after last relatioship, including T. Pallidum last week and HIV Duo the week before, all negative.
Do you think I should have the tongue spots checked out by a specialized infection doctor? My General Practitioner says it is abrasion and not to worry, but my anxiety can be overwhelming.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
19 months ago
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I have not seen the white spots on your tongue but both your and your GF's tests prove that they are not related to HIV or syphilis. I would trust your doctor and not worry. If you need to address your anxiety further, I suggest you speak with your dentist or an ENT specialist.
EWH
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19 months ago
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Thank you so much for your help and information.