Question
I have been poked by a needle, what is the risk of infection?
8 July 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.
If you have been poked by a needle, not knowing if it was used before what are the chances of HIV transmission?
I cannot remember if the seal was correctly sealed or open and the lid was obviously put back on and then taken off and then I accidently poked myself.
Firstly can you please advise me of the risk and secondly if I decided to do a HIV test after 28 days the p24 one would that be a conclusive result for a needle poke?
Sam
Answer
Dear Sam,
Thank you for your question.
It is difficult but not impossible, to get HIV from a needle stick injury. HIV does not live for long outside the body, usually less than an hour depending on the conditions.
If you decide to have the HIV test that includes p24 and atibodies after 28 days it would be over 95% accurate for all modes of HIV transmission including needle stick injuries.
If this test is positive, it is then confirmed with a much more sensitive test for HIV antibodies called Western Blot.
No single test is 100% accurate but together these two tests are 100% accurate for a positive result and more than 99.99% accurate (at 90 days) for a negative result.
For more information on testing please follow this link
Hi Harj,
We are a small charity and we do welcome donations. If you wish to donate then please e-mail me personally and we can sort something out.
20 days would be the same as 22 days.
Thanks
Charlie
Hi Charlotte,
Thats great, yeah that sounds fantastic to be honest i had never heard of yourselves apart from messing around on google. I think that a lot of people either have not heard of the 28 day test – secondly the GUM clinic don’t explain what test they do.
I was not saying that you did not know what you were doing lol…just was curious as to where the information came from I find that you have the up to date information needed for people and maybe healthcare professionals, and its a fantastic job tha you do! I am guessing you are a small charity do you accept donations of the public.
Again you say there have been no record of someone being negative at 22 days then positive after so looking through the sites. If a test was done say 20 days would that still be the same?
Our information comes from research papers and links with medical professionals mainly in the UK. This is a controversial area and one that we will soon be putting additional information on our website about so watch this space.
There has been no records that we know of where someone was negative at 22 days and then positive at 28 days.
Hello, yes I went there today for a 4th generation HIV test they explained they are not happy with the guidlines she explained its over 99.5 % accurate but the test in 3 months would greatly reduce the fact I did have anything? Slightly confussed me a little bit if im honest with you. I have also spoken to a HIV doctor in London and he said the test taken 25 days onwards is ok if less than 25 say to 21 its 99.5% accurate? Ahh all the conflicting advice about this has got me in a mess… can I ask where you guys get the information from and have you ever heard or anyone taking a test at 22 days then turning out to be posotive later after 28 days?
If you are taking a fourth generation test then the GUM clinic usually say you need a test 28 days after a possible exposure. If you are having a third generation test then it is possible the GUM clinic will tell you to go for a follow-up test after 3 months. Explain to the clinic you would like a fourth generation test instead and they should be able to provide this. For more information please follow this link.
Hello, I went to my GUM clinic and they told me the test would not be accurate as I need to follow up with a 3 month test as it was a needle poke.
Can you please explain what I should do?
Thanks, yes i know that was a silly question. I will have a hiv test after 3 weeks then follow up with a 4th one after. Thanks for your help and advice.
A fourth generation test is accurate anytime after 3-4 weeks an exposure. You cannot get HIV from a sterile needle
Thanks for the answer, I have read on the internet that survival is not evem a few minutes and outside the body its dies pretty quickly. Is the HIV test 28 days spot on or would it be ok to take it slightly after? If it was a sterile needle you cannot get HIV from that can you?