Question: Can I get HIV during a procedure at my doctor's office?
A viewer recently asked:
I recently had a diagnostic procedure involving needles in my doctor's office. Am I at risk of getting an HIV infection during this procedure and from the needles she used?
Answer:
Your doctor uses sterile equipment for each and every diagnostic test he or she performs. Therefore, there is absolutely no risk to you with regard to HIV when having a procedure at your doctor's office. Besides that fact, doctors use universal precautions which are steps taken that prevent exposure to infectious bodily fluids from patient to doctor as well as from patient to patient. The doctor changes gloves, gowns, etc. between each patient, preventing cross contamination between patients and protecting the doctor from infectious bodily fluids from patients.
There have been cases of healthcare workers getting HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C from dirty needles. However, to my knowledge, the only HIV infection in the U.S. caused by a healthcare worker was that of a dentist who infected some of his patients during dental procedures. Because of precautions taken by your doctor, it is completely safe for you to have diagnostic procedures without fear of contracting HIV.
- Are Healthcare Workers at Risk for Getting HIV on the Job?
- Can I Get HIV from the Dentist?
- Needlestick Fact Sheet
