Expert: John Thai, M.D. - 11/27/2007

Question
I was on the bus with some solid needles that were meant for sewing or pinning. They were not like those on a syringe though. The adolescents that were sitting in front of me asked me if they could see the needles and I let them. They then started poking themselves with the needles and I asked them what they were doing and then to be funny, one of the teenagers lightly tapped me with one of the needles(maybe one of the needles he was just poking himself with). I did not bleed nor did I get hurt from this light poke. But I still wonder if this might have passed HIV to me. Do you think that this type of incident can transmit the virus? I read that there is a .3% chance to get it from a hollow bore needle in a medical setting when the needle actually does have HIV. What would u say the risk was in my case.



And what exactly does "entering the bloodstream" mean. Would  just getting a little scratch from the needle with no bleeding and the needle not going far into my body be entering my bloodstream? Does that pose any less risk?

I am kind of worried about this, Hope u can answer my questions.


Answer
Hi Andre,

Your chances are very very minimal... less than 0.001% if it entered the bloodstream. Entering the bloodstream means that there is a direct contact with your blood vessels - arteries/vein.

I recommend that you never share or let anyone touch your sharp objects, especially needles. Why? You placed yourself in the position of becoming negligent for any injuries they sustain even if you didn't do it. If that child hurts another child with that needle like poking him in the eyes or elsewhere, you become 100% liable in the eyes of the law in all states in the US for providing the needle, even if it was an accident. In my particular state, if the parent of the child decides to bring her child to the doctor today or this week just because they are scared of any infections or trauma, you would be liable for paying for their medical bills. So next time, don't let anyone, especially strangers, touch your sharp objects.

Regards,

John Thai, MD