During blood taking sterile gauge will be applied on the punctured site to stop bleeding after needle is removed from vein. What if a clean but non-sterile gauze used Will I get infected?

While it is advisable to use sterile gauze to prevent infection, the risk of infection from using a clean but non-sterile gauze during blood taking is generally low. Here's why:

1. Skin Disinfection: Before blood is drawn, the puncture site on your skin is typically disinfected with an antiseptic solution, such as alcohol, to kill bacteria on the skin's surface. This step significantly reduces the risk of infection, even if a non-sterile gauze is used.

2. Minimal Contact with Blood: During blood taking, the needle punctures the vein to draw blood, and the gauze is only applied momentarily to the puncture site after the needle is removed. This minimizes the contact time between the gauze and any potential contaminants.

3. Pressure Application: The primary purpose of applying gauze after blood taking is to apply pressure to the puncture site to stop bleeding. This helps seal the puncture wound and reduces the chance of further blood loss. Pressure itself can also help reduce the risk of infection by preventing bacteria from entering the bloodstream through the puncture.

4. Intact Skin Barrier: The skin acts as a natural barrier against infection. As long as the skin remains intact and is properly disinfected, the risk of infection is lower, even with a non-sterile gauze.

5. Immune System Response: Your body's immune system plays a vital role in protecting you from infections. It constantly works to identify and fight off harmful microorganisms. Even if some bacteria or contaminants were introduced during blood taking, your immune system would likely be able to effectively manage the situation.

However, it's important to note that sterile technique is still the standard practice in healthcare settings to minimize any potential risk of infection. To ensure your safety, it is always best to request sterile supplies and instruments for any medical procedure, including blood taking.