Hi I have gotten over the anxiety of my previous exposure and started to get back to my normal life. I had a blood test 28 days after my exposure and on this appointment the dr argued with me that he wasn’t going to take my bloods as there was no need to I had to wait in the reception area and he had other patients in between my appointment. The he called me over after speaking to another doctor on a call and told me that they would take the blood test but after 45 days but me being me argued again with them and they finally did my blood withdrawal. Normally I don’t look away from needles but this time I did and was confused whether he used a dirty needle maybe the person before me that had also got a blood test as I saw his sample on the desk in a bag. This has sent my anxiety rocketing and giving me what if thoughts in my mind the doctor used a butterfly needle in my left arm but couldn’t withdraw the blood as he couldn’t locate the vein then he got another needle which I saw was a new one and manage to withdraw it from my right arm. After leaving the clinic my anxiety has gone ten fold. My question to you guys is if a dirty needle was used what is the likelihood of it infecting me with hiv if the person had hiv before me. 

Welcome back to the Forum although I’m sorry you felt the need.  On this occasion I will be responding.  In preparing to do so, I reviewed both of your recent interactions with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said including that you have proven you were not infected by the possible interaction you described.  It makes me wonder why you were even testing- you proved you were not infected.---

So am I right to say that Evan though the dr who took the sample used a needle a butterfly needle and poked around routing for my vein couldn’t find it I still have a high chance of not being infected even if the needle had been used on a hiv infected person. I really am trying to put this behind me and have totally forgotten about the actual exposure but this has taken a hold of me and I can’t seem to stop trying to think and remember how the blood sample was taken just doubting the whole blood taking procedure I don’t want to sound ridiculous and ring the private clinic as I feel they would laugh at me. 

That the doctor had to manipulate the needle in no way impacts your risk of infection.  You are worrying needlessly. In response to your repetitive  follow-up questions:---