[Question #9969] Questions About Symptoms and exposures

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27 months ago
Hello Doctors, Im sorry for being back, I'm really nervous and anxious, I've already had the question number 9916.

After the last question, I had some new symptoms, for me It seems peripheral neuropathy, my hands and my feet sometimes pain a little, it seems a little uncorfortable, I think it started about 3 or 4 weeks ago, Also, last friday, i noticed red spots in my arms and my shoulders, sometimes it seems less reddish, sometimes a little more, no pain, sometimes I still feel a litte pain in my left thigh and in my armpits, ,but now its less often.

1- About Blood drawn for hiv test, on 03 april, I went to a lab, and got a little worried about reused needle, is there any chance?? 

2- About fingerstick lancet, I asked to the nurse that performed the test, he told me, thats impossible reuse the lancet, but that worried me, because, 3 days after onset the red spots in my arms.  (this test was 3rd gen IGM IGG - 120 days after exposure). 

'3- Could be these new symptoms ARS from de first exposure, or from the tests procedures ?

I'm sorry for asking again, but I'm isn't well, my body change, i feel some different pains that I didnt have before, I'm crying everyday because of the situation, I Had 16 negative tests, until 123 days from fist exposure. My AgAb tests were at day 55, 65 and 84.

I already had online appointment to 2 different infectious disease doctors from Sao Paulo, both told me Im HIV free. (one at 10 weeks, other at 11weeks).
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
27 months ago
Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sorry you felt the need.  To prepare to answer your questions, I reviewed your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said.  In his response he said "..your test results are conclusive. (You have been seriously over tested. Indeed, even with your symptoms, had you been my patient I would have advised no testing was even needed."   I agree with this statement.  Further worry and testing is a a waste of time and energy.  As Dr. Handsfield said, your tests PROVE that these symptoms, as well as the ones you experienced before them were not due to HIV.  In response to your specific questions:

1.  No chance.  Laboratory staff are trained not to re-use needles and and the needles used to obtain specimens are designed so that they cannot be re-used.

2.  This is not a possibility.  These lancets cannot be re-used.  Further 3 days is too soon for HIV symptoms, including the rash of HIV ARS to be due to infection caused by a contaminated blood drawing equipment.  

3.  No.  Please re-read Dr. Handsfield's earlier comments.

You have now heard the same message from Dr. Handsfield, two doctors in San Paulo, and me.  These answers will not change;  You are worrying entirely too much about HIV.  EWH




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27 months ago
Thank so much Dr Hook.
Sometimes Im feeling better, but when I notice a possible symptom, I feel bad again.

Some questions:

Individually any of the follow tests are conclusive, so all of them together are 100% correct?

Cmia AgAb from lab 1 - day 55 (0.08) and 84 (0.07)
Eclia AgAb from lab 2 - day 65 (0.21)
- fingerprick home (surecheck and panbio(abbott)) days 108 and 123
- fingerprick center testing 3rd gen ( two differents brands) 100 and 120 days

All of them negative.

I know you told me isnt possible get HIV from blood drawn, but as far the test I had on 84 day, if had infectious blood inside the needle, the result of test would be something closer than cutoff at least?? (Maybe its a nonsense question)

Have you ever seen ARS starts after 60 days? And anyone turn antibody test after 3 months?or AgAb after 60 days ?


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27 months ago
I know all my tests were negative, but the symptoms are worring me.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
27 months ago
Each of the tests you describe are conclusive, proving that you did not acquire HIV.  As for your symptoms, the symptoms you report are NOT those of recently acquired HIV.  Neuropathy occurs only very late (after years) in the course of infection, the rash you describe is non-specific and not suggestive of HIV.

The ARS doe NOT occur more than 30 days after an exposure.  Your results are conclusive and will not change,

Equipment used to draw blood is designed to not be reused.  In addition, when blood is draw, the blood flows FROM your vein into the tube or syringe, NOT INTO you.

You are worrying needlessly.  As Dr. Handsfield has already said, you have proven that you do not have HIV.  If these symptoms are troubling you other than being unnecessarily anxious about HIV, then you should see your doctor for evaluation.  This is not HIV.  EWH
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26 months ago
Thanks for your answer Dr Hook.

I'am still a little worried, mainly about the blood drawn at 03 april, because my pains in the thighs, hands and feet started few days after de blood drawn, and still sometimes hurt, and after 39 days after the blood drawn started the red spots in my upper arms and shoulders, now the red spots are dissapearing, my sister is general physician, she told me its petechiae.

Those were the symptoms that started after the blood drawn.

The nurse that collected the blood from me, told me the needle couldnt be reused, but I didn't see she open a pack of the needle.

I had 2 rapid tests after that, one 3rd gen blood at test center with 36 days, and another self blood test, with 52 days.

1. Do I need another test?

2. Can I be 100% confident I not infected ?

Thank you so much for you help!


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Edward W. Hook M.D.
26 months ago
Final responses:

I’m sorry you continue to worry without any need.  The idea that a trained health care professional would intentionally or unintentionally re-use a needle is silly and unwarranted.  Health care professionals are carefully trained for patient safety, including not to reuse needles.  There are no occasions when persons have become infected in the manner you suggest.  You will not be the first.  In response to your questions:

1.  No!!!
2. Yes!!!!

If you cannot except these assessments, then I urge you to seek counseling to help you address your unwarranted paranoia. There is no need for further testing. There is no need for concern. You need to move on. You should not need to return to this firm with continuing questions. Take care. EWH. 
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