Q: There is a grave problem that the injections and syringes are contaminated with HIV/AIDS. If we immerse the syringes in boiled water with dettol, can the syringes get disinfected of HIV/AIDS? If the blood samples are taken after dipping the syringes in boiled water, will this have any effect on the blood report?

A:Syringes and needles infected with HIV/AIDS will not be sterilised by immersing in boiled water with dettol. To effectively decontaminate or sterilise such materials, boiling for a minimum of 20 minutes, or autoclaving, is essential. Though, hot water does not interfere with any blood investigation, the syringes have to be dried prior to blood collection to avoid haemolysis.