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Can HIV Be Contracted Through A Needle Prick?

Posted on Thu, 29 Oct 2015

Question: Hi...
During blood donation, in camp the doctor prick my right hand forth finger with a needle which he opened in front of me...but when he pricked I saw that on the wrapper of the needle there was a drop of blood...
What are the chances of HIV infection... I do not know how long that blood drop was there... He didn't remove the wrapper completely and holded the needle with the wrapper... I am very scared..!!!because now I am not sure that whether I came in contaminated blood or not...

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The chances of getting HIV infection are very remote or negligible.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome to HCM.

The survival of HIV virus outside the human body or in an open environment is very difficult and it will die within seconds or minutes so don't be too scared as the chances of getting the HIV infection are very less or negligible in your case.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (18 minutes later)

Sir what if during the unwrapping of needle a little blood got in contact with needle?? Do I need to worry and go for HIV test?? After how many days test can be done??

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The possibility of getting HIV is very less.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

HIV virus can not survive in dried blood so don't worry the possibility of getting HIV is very less.

For your mental satisfaction you can go for 4th generation HIV Duos test after 15days to be completely sure about your status.

Thank You

Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar