I went to a pathology lab today to get a blood test. When I went in, the staff already had the injection in her hand. Do clinics use used needles and syringes? Should I be worried about the risk of HIV, especially since it is a small pathology and not a big hospital?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Rohinipriyanka Pondugula

General Practitioner

MBBS
9+ Yrs

Consult Now

Most licensed pathologies use single use disposable syringes. It is standard medical practice, even in smaller labs. If the needle was opened in front of you or appeared sealed, there is likely no risk. If you are still anxious, you can take a HIV Combo (4th Gen) Test after 2 to 4 weeks to ease your mind. Risk is extremely low unless you saw clear misuse.

Dr. Rohinipriyanka Suggests...

Take a HIV DUO (ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODY) Test

Book HIV DUO (ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODY) Test

Answered 15/09/2025

More HIV DUO (HIV P24 ANTIGEN, HIV 1 & 2 ANTIBODY) Health Queries

View all

Doctor, I have done a proviral DNA test 55 days after exposure. It is negative. Do I need any more tests? Please tell me, as I am going to get married next month.

Answered by Apollo Doctors

My HIV test report shows HIV antibodies not found in 2 of the 3 methods used, and the overall report says HIV negative. What does this mean?

Answered by Apollo Doctors

I was accidentally injected with a potentially contaminated needle at a clinic. Concerned about HIV risk, I went for an HIV combo test 56 days after the incident at my nearest ICTC centre. The test result was negative. The ICTC staff mentioned that if there is direct exposure to HIV infected blood, it can show in the test after 28 days. I would like a specialist advice regarding: Should I get tested again? Which test is recommended now? Is 56 days sufficient to conclude that I am HIV negative? I have heard that HIV transmitted via sexual contact may take longer to appear in blood tests compared to needle exposure, is this true?

Answered by Apollo Doctors

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.