[Question #4205] HIV transfer and glucose measuring device
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83 months ago
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Dear Experts
I have a question re possible HIV exposure. My doctor told me I need to monitor my blood sugar levels. I just went to a pharmacy to buy the device. It was the last one and LOOKED like new. I followed the instructions, my sugar was ok, and then I expected the box with the meter closely and it had a small sticker "not for sale" on it. When a pharmacist sold it to me, it looked like she dialed in the price manually (not scanned). Once I read this - panicked started. Could it be that the device was used previously and that is why it said "not for sale". I used a new lancet there (i counted each and every one and on a little box which said 10 lancets , and all 10 were in the box) and all strips were also there. But what worries me is that if the device was used previously then that little pen where you put the lancet in as well as the measuring device which shows results could had been contaminated with someone's blood. I do not think it was used right before me, and I did not see any blood on the tip of the pan you put a lancet in but if it was used previously is there a risk for HIV infection? Would HIV become non-infectious quickly after someone used it. Just a reminder: I used a new lancet and a strip there. I am worried about the pen and the measuring device with the screen. Thank you
I have a question re possible HIV exposure. My doctor told me I need to monitor my blood sugar levels. I just went to a pharmacy to buy the device. It was the last one and LOOKED like new. I followed the instructions, my sugar was ok, and then I expected the box with the meter closely and it had a small sticker "not for sale" on it. When a pharmacist sold it to me, it looked like she dialed in the price manually (not scanned). Once I read this - panicked started. Could it be that the device was used previously and that is why it said "not for sale". I used a new lancet there (i counted each and every one and on a little box which said 10 lancets , and all 10 were in the box) and all strips were also there. But what worries me is that if the device was used previously then that little pen where you put the lancet in as well as the measuring device which shows results could had been contaminated with someone's blood. I do not think it was used right before me, and I did not see any blood on the tip of the pan you put a lancet in but if it was used previously is there a risk for HIV infection? Would HIV become non-infectious quickly after someone used it. Just a reminder: I used a new lancet and a strip there. I am worried about the pen and the measuring device with the screen. Thank you
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
83 months ago
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Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.
I cannot imagine that a pharmacy would sell a glucose measuring equipment that they knew or suspected had been used. And if they did, there would be no risk of HIV transmission, probably even if it had been used by an HIV infected person. Needle transmission of HIV typically requires a recently used hollow needle with fresh (wet) blood inside. And there has never been a reported case of HIV transmission through shared glucose monitoring lancets or other equipment. There is clearly no risk in this situation and no need for testing. Don't worry about it.
I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.
HHH, MD
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