[Question #13375] Disease risk from hospital stay
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22 hours ago
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I had an er visit at a US hospital. I did not pay attention and see the needle packages open for several blood draws and became concerned about contamination later on. I took a 4th generation HIV, syphilis and hep b and c test at 10.5 weeks. Can I trust the negative results?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
22 hours ago
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Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to comment. You have nothing to worry about.
US hospitals are strictly regulated and monitored to assure patient safety. Needles and blood drawing equipment is not reused and the needle packages are designed to be only used a second time. There are no cases in which re-use of a contaminated needle has led to infection by HIV or hepatitis due to needle re-use in the UC. Further, your 10,5 weeks tests are conclusive and prove that you do not have HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis A,B or C.
There is nothing to worry about. Time to put any concerns you might have aside and move forward without concern. EWH
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