Q: Q: Are there any general procedures at the doctor’s office that might put me at even a small risk of being infected with the HIV virus?
A: No, there aren’t. All medical instruments and devices are sterilized before use or they are pre-packaged in a sterile state. Standard laboratory procedures insure patients are totally protected. The only ones to be concerned are health care professionals who are at risk from patients who have HIV, hepatitis or other blood borne diseases. These medical providers and health care workers must take precautions against a needle stick from an HIV-infected person or other contact with contaminated body fluids. Standard procedures are I place to protect medical workers and infections almost never occur.