- Male
- 34 Years
- 09/09/2025
I went to a lab where they took my blood to do a test. The needle was sealed, but they used cotton that was probably used for another patient. My hand was sanitized and the cotton was used immediately after the injection was removed. Do I have a risk of HIV or any other infections? If so, please inform me what I need to do for HIV PEP?
Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors
Risk of HIV or serious infection from reused cotton is extremely low, especially since the needle was sealed and the skin was sanitized. HIV transmission generally requires direct blood to blood contact, not surface level cotton use. If youre still worried, consider doing a baseline HIV and Hepatitis B/C test, and repeat after 4 to 6 weeks. HIV PEP is not needed in this case.
Dr. Shaik Suggests...
Take a HBsAg Test (Hepatitis B surface antigen) Test or Take a HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) IGM ANTIBODY, SERUM Test
Answered 09/09/2025
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