Blood drawn without gloves?

Question

My primary doctor was taking some blood from me and I realized when he was done that he hadn't used gloves.

I understand it is common practice for people drawing blood to wear gloves.

Since he didn't use gloves, did he put me at risk of acquiring HIV or other blood borne diseases?

Has this happened to anyone else?

Category

Answer 1

No, he didnt put you at risk, but if he got stuck with your needle, he would be putting himself at risk.  I draw blood for a living and you can certainly report him to the health dept.  Next time, before he comes to draw your blood, tell him he must wear gloves  !!!

Answer 2

One wears gloves for phlebotomy to actually protect the drawer more than the patient. Gloves are not puncture proof rather they are barriers from aerosol type sprays.

The wearing of gloves is Standard Precaution; meaning that the health care worker treats everything as potentially disease bearing regardless.

Answer 3

It is a common practice amoung the older generation to not wear gloves. I work in a medical laboratory, and no one wears gloves when working with blood or other body fluids. (except me and a couple others) You don't have to worry about contracting anything from him, but under OSHA it is required by law that any person who handles blood must wear gloves as a part of the universal precautions.

Answer 4

No. The risk is to him... that's why they wear gloves.

I'm assuming he washed his hands before he started to examine you?