Question about HIV but not sexually transmitted - back on 24th Sep I had to have bloods (lipids etc). The nurse didn’t use gloves and, worse, once the needle was inside me she “tapped” it or pressed it, perhaps aiming at it going deeper or further inside. I have reported this to the GP Practice. About 5 days later and up until now I developed itchiness, diahorrea for 6 days now, chills and headaches. I have had lab 2 PCRs already - at 12 days and 18 days (yesterday) post exposure plus a lab 4th gen yesterday too. All negative.

Times in the last few days plus feel really tired.

There has never been a case of HIV acquired on account of how blood was drawn. The procedures used by the nurse, as you described them, could not have infected you. "Itchiness" and diarrhea are not symptoms of an HIV infection, and your negative test results prove HIV is not the cause. I would have recommended against HIV testing at all and see no need for an additional test.

Vomiting and feeling tired have nothing to do with this event, except maybe as manifestation of anxiety about it. As I said, a negative HIV test PROVES that any symptoms are not due to HIV.

HHH, MD

I also need to be honest and say that I could not resist my health anxiety so went for another 4th gen test on Sunday (26.5 days post exposure). It was negative. 

Knowing myself, I believe I’ll want a further test (or perhaps both 4th gen and PCR) this coming weekend - at 32 days. 

Regardless of this, when do you think a PCR is conclusive please? Equally, at what time do ARS symptoms normally appear? I also need to note that my rash in shoulders and neck is much much much worse today.

Thank you and I promise I’ll use my last reply to let you know of  the future the tests results, likely to be done this Saturday coming.

Thanks a million! 

Sorry your rash is worse, but rash alone is never the only symptom of ARS; and a negative HIV test of any kind proves symptoms are not caused by HIV. It is not possible to have HIV symptoms and test negative, regardless of the time since exposure. See a doctor if the rash continues and/or you remain concerned about it -- but you can be sure it is not HIV and not related in any way to having blood drawn.

There is no point in retuning to let me know your next negative test result. You know what I would say.

Briefly to say that I had a 4th gen test back on 23rd October and it was negative. And then on 10th November (just 7 days ago) I privately had both a PCR and a 4th gen test - all negative. This is 90 days after kissing a guy and 45 days after the nurse that didn’t wear gloves. I feel much reassured re. my anxiety. 

Thanks so so so much!!!! 

By the way, if I didn't say it above:  you misunderstand the reason persons drawing blood wearing gloves. It is to protect them from infections the patient may have, not to protect the patient. Drawing blood without gloves is 100% safe for the patient, even if the blood drawer has HIV or other blood borne infection.

Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have helped. Best wishes and stay safe.