Hi, i recently had a blood test at my local GP Surgery for an illness completely unrelated to HIV. As i went into the room where they do the blood test, the nurse sat me down and proceeded to pick up the needle from the table and then withdraw my blood (which seemed rushed, no gloves worn etc). My main concern is that i didn't actually see the nurse put a clean needle into the vacutainer, and i am worried that she possibly re-used the needle from a previous patient that went in 5 minutes prior to me. I know that nurses have to follow certain procedures regarding health and safety of not only the patient but themselves, but i can't help thinking 'what if she did actually re-use the needle knowingly'. These thoughts for some reason have been going around and around in my mind, 'what if, what if'. I know that it's probably hypercondria mixed with paranoia and anxiety due to the illness i am currently suffering from, but nevertheless the thought just keep haunting me.

My main question would be, is there any valid reason to worry at all? or have i just got an irrational fear of HIV that is consuming my mind?

Thanks.

You have an irrational fear. You have no reason to worry.