Can I Get HIV If I Stepped on a Used Needle?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I found blood on my foot when on a night out and had walked through a field home that is known to be used by drug users as have seen needles there before. I am worried the blood could be from a needle as I had no cut. I don't want to ask my gp as the receptionist knows my mum and she could see the file. what is the likelyhood if it was a needle I would have caught anything? Or am I worrying over nothing?

Dear Sophie: There is a possibility you can contract HIV that way. HIV can be efficiently transmitted through needle pricks. Although the wound you incurred may not be due to a needle (a stone, etc), the wound may have come in contact with the used needles (HIV is pretty common in IV drug abusers). Better have yourself checked. Doctors and receptionists are legally obliged to patient confidentiality.You may go to another doctor and tell your story, then request for HIV tests and other blood-bourne diseases (Hep C, Hep B, etc). I hope this helps.