Syringe for taking blood..Scary

[icewater]

Scary….
Just did my HIV test in a walk-in clinic and I found one thing is very scary.

After the nurse took my blood and disposed the needle, I found out that there is some blood in the plastic cap (the cap is light green/yellow in colour, not sure how it is called but it is placed between needle and syringe. I am sure this plastic cap would be reused. I even asked the nurse why there was some blood in the cap (she knew I was trying to ask why she re-used that) and she told me that it won’t go into my body ‘coz the needle was so long or something…
But damn… I am just scared now… Anyone here is in the medical area or has any information that can make me feel a bit comfort?

 

[drlove]

That's odd. As far as I know, a new, sterile needle is to be used for every procedure.

As for potential health risks in your situation, I'm unsure. However, one would hope that a clinic would not engage in any unsafe practices.

 

[Jacques_Offe]

health

The thing is called a vacutainer. There is a new needle screwed on. It is probably safe but in the US even the vacutainer has to be sterile and never reused.

 

[niplust]

All disposables

All the materials are disposed of in any clinic in Canada.

Cheers