Is there a risk of infection if the vacutainer holder has blood?

Q: I went to have my blood drawn at a lab. After having my blood drawn, I noticed that the vacutainer holder had a drop of blood in it from where it screws into the needle. I asked the nurse who said that it won't have any contact with my skin. It only draws the blood. I am not sure if it was my blood or not. I am 7 months pregnant and very nervous? Should I be worried about this?

A:There is absolutely no reason for you to be worried. The holder is just an attachment to which the needle is screwed while the other end of the needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood. Even if the holder was contaminated by blood, it has no bearing as the blood cannot enter the needle. It is always prudent, though, to clean the holder if it is soiled. Please relax and all the best.