Can HIV Be Contracted Through Infected Needle?

Posted on Mon, 17 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 Answered on

Mon, 7 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : hi i was was walking home from working and I was carrying my personal belongings in one hand and the other was free now as i was approaching something an item I did not know what it was so I believe I passed it and I looked at it for a second and i believe it was still on the ground all i know it was all white? I dont know if i made contact with it or not i was going back to take a photo of it apparently i think the item is gone should i be tested concerned? I have no idea what itsm this was to be? you think nit was a needle? I went back I sdont think it was the item not sure please help me

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
does not sound serious

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Unless you had a wound on your hand from the item in question then there should be no problem as long as you washed your hands.
If you just brushed by something, even if it was infectious, it would not harm you unless you got a wound from it so that it could enter your body.
Hand washing would be all that was necessary. If you see any reaction like redness on the skin where you may have contacted this then see your doctor. Otherwise no testing would be needed.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 minutes later)

you think it was a needle

I have photos of both hands

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
did the needle break the skin

Detailed Answer:
Please post photos if you have them. However if the needle did not break the skin then you are not at risk.
If it did break the skin then you needs testing for blood born pathogens
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 minutes later)

im not saying i saw one
not sure

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
is there a cut or wound?

Detailed Answer:
Is there any puncture wound or cut on your skin?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 minute later)

wait posting

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
okay

Detailed Answer:
okay, thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (8 minutes later)

but look I dont know if it was a needle can a needle be white and small like few feet apart

whats your email i cant post on the computer please you have personal please

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
sorry I cannot give you my email

Detailed Answer:
You will have to post photos on this site for me to evaluate them
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (10 minutes later)

Can a needle be white and flat?

/Users/XXXX/Desktop/IMG_2759.jpg

paste to address bar

took a hot shower is this good with soap not saying it was needle i going crazy

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
needles are silver

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I think you are safe as long as you washed after your encounter with the substance. If it were a needle you would have felt a prick and you would have a wound from it.
If there is no puncture would or cut in your skin then all you need to do is wash the area with soap and warm water
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (19 minutes later)

you got the link

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no link

Detailed Answer:
I am very sorry but I cannot email you. That is not the policy on Healthcare Magic. If there is open wound or bleeding then get tested. If not then you are not at risk
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

/Users/XXXX/Desktop/IMG_2759.jpg

listen Im saying Not certain if needle Shold i worry trying to forget

sent Should I REALLY WORYY HIBV TEST Honestly

my mom says its physcologilly OCD

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
get tested

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It does sound like your worry is beyond what would be considered reasonable for this type of event.
If you cannot let go of the worry, go get a test for HIV, Hep B and Hep C.
If they are all negative and you cannot stop worrying then you need to see a counselor about this anxiety.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar