Can Someone Get HIV From A Needle Prick?

Posted on Tue, 2 Jan 2018

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

Tue, 2 Jan 2018 Answered on

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have pierced a pimple / cyst with a snall sewing needle / pin out of an hotel sewing kit - Should i be concerned about catching any serious infections ?
So do i need to get tested for HIV after using a sewing needle to pierce a spot ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (1 hour later)

hi It is not safe to use unsterilized objects . Hope that you are lucky.

Brief Answer:
No need for HIV testing .

Detailed Answer:
Hi , I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
HIV is transmitted by blood to blood contact. Sewing kits supplied in hotels are not sterile and can cause infection- may be different organism from your cyst/ pimple.
In your case you have used sewing needle - hotels generally give you a fresh kit and not used one -there is a chance of infection but not of HIV.
Just wait for few days and if required consult a physician if cyst / pimple reappears or becomes worse.
I hope I have explained the logics and needs.
Thanks

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