Anonymous

2 years

Hiv speculum during the pap test

I did pap test 1 month back and I don’t know whether speculum is sterlized or not If it’s not sterlized can I get hiv from unsterilised vagnia speculum and I’m sure that it is not used for 2 hours before the pap how long hiv virus live on the speculum

Dr Ramzdhan,

2 years

Hello and thank you for using our services

I understand that you are concern if you can get infected with HIV through a speculum during PAP test, am I correct? I will try to assist you with this matter.

For your information, every reusable speculum has to be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, decontaminated, and sterilized before using it in between patients.

While the transmission of infection from improper sterilization can occur, it is rare for the transmission of HIV and other STD through this method.

HIV transmission can be caused through:

  • Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
  • Having contaminated needles
  • Receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions and tissue transplantation
  • Receiving medical procedures that involve unsterile cutting or piercing
  • Experiencing accidental needle stick injuries

If you have further question about any health problems, you cantalk to our doctor via teleconsultation to get a proper opinion on this matter.

I hope I managed to assist you in this matter. If you have any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you

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