Expert: Terry B - 12/9/2007

Question
I had read a Q the other day about exposure through a needle used a HIV treatment centre. You said that there was no risk in it. Then why do they say its a risk and that it is a possible exposure. In the end blood on the needle must have gone inside through the vein and infected the person. why is drawing blood not risky? what i also want to know is what do they mean when they that there has to immediate sharing for risk to occur. is it seconds or minutes? has anybody ever acquired HIV while on a blood test regardless to the place he/she tested and is 0.03% practical risk or only theorotical.do reply.thanks.

Answer
Dear Rohit:

Peace.  If you read carefully the answer you referenced, discussion was about use of a presumably sterile needle.  HIV transmission risk occurs with possible transmission of the blood of an infected person to the bloodstream of another person in the action of sharing needles or injection equipment.  Several sites, including www.thebody.com and others, provide some further discussion and links about the sharing of needles and 'works' among injection drug users.  

The immediacy of the transmission risk depends on the ability of the blood to remain fluid (that is, the cells remain intact with HIV within them).  Seconds or minutes do not matter, the issue is the integrity of the virus within the fluid.

I hope this answers your question, I would refer you to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for further reading on HIV transmission in testing, transfusion, and other risks.

The best to you and yours.

Terry