[Question #3970] Follow up #3698 - need to know your opinion on full story
85 months ago
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Hi Dr,
In the last months I have been ill and need your opinion (same incident last conversation, with details) as I am having high stress. I will take a hiv test, but have delayed. I went to Quest Diagnostics in LA on May 10th to have blood drawn (not stds). I was the second last patient that day and there were two staff complaining they were overworked. I helped an elderly lady check in. They were taking blood and manning reception. The front lights were turned off. I asked phlebotomist to show me the needle was clean and he did but disposed of it touching inside the sharps container. He got another needle that he used. The woman from reception, and who was taking other last patients blood entered. She had roughly nine samples on a tray on the counter. I was facing this/her to the side with my eyes towards her. She began sorting things, scanning samples etc. What she was doing involved test tubes/lifting things up and I believe she wore gloves. I felt something go into my eye from her direction though I was unsure what. I was concerned this maybe blood from her gloves coming toward me or from a test tube. I rubbed my eye quite a bit which I know wasn’t smart. Once home (20 mins) I rinsed. I went back the next day with my concerns and they said tubes are sealed and gloves changed. 15 days later I developed shaking chills, a fever and a bad headache (started with headache). Two more weeks I had an extremely painful sore throat at the back and obvious lymph node in my neck. Last week I lost my appetite for days and was nauseated with sometimes a violent cough. I am concerned that blood could have gone in my eye or maybe the needle was contaminated.. Is it procedure to do end of day tasks with a patient there? I had negative testing last year and have been in a monogamous relationship, using protection, since.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
85 months ago
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85 months ago
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
85 months ago
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85 months ago
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![]() |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
85 months ago
|