Again, thank you for your great service here and some previous forums. I had an uneasy blood drawn experience as follow and have gained many concerns after that, hope you can help me.

I went to a regular health check and had a blood drawn about 10 days ago. The nurse used a butterfly needle (new one), a vacutainer tube (new one), and a vacutainer holder (I don't think it was new). Normally, before any blood drawn, other nurses wipe my skin with an alcohol swab for a disinfection on the skin, but the nurse this time didn't do it. He directly sticked the needle into my vein, WITHOUT any alcohol swabbing.

I have 2 questions:

1. First, about the vacutainer holder, if the nurse used an old one, am I at any risk of HIV?

2. When he sticked the needle into my vein, I could see that the skin area was clean, without any visible blood, without any visible fluid or drop. If so, am I at any risk of HIV? Does HIV survive without visible blood or fluid that can be seen by normal eyes?

Thank you very much.

His technique for drawing blood was not what is recommended. As you note, he should have wiped the area to be stuck with a cleaning wipe.  His poor technique may have resulted in a small risk of bacterial infection from the bacteria that are normally on your skin but there is no risk for acquisition of HIV or infections from another person.  If after 24 hours the area where the blood was drawn does not show any unusual redness, then you have nothing to worry about.

I hope this information is helpful.  EWH

I will take your advice and move on without a HIV test.

I have one more question regarding to my baby boy of 1.5 years old. He often played on surfaces (sometimes wet surfaces) and very often suck his dirty hands. Does it pose any risk for HIV for him? What if there's some infected fluid on the surface? I just want to make sure. Thank you very much.

As you know, we provide up to three responses to each clients question. This is my third response. Therefore this thread will be closed shortly without further responses. 

I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. Take care. Please don’t worry. EWH.