This is kind of off subject but I am curious about this, and I figured who
would know better than some of you?  I had surgery in August, and the OR
nurse got stuck with a needle during my surgery. So they drew blood for HIV
and hepatitis series on me, without asking or telling me after.  I only
found out later at the doctors office when he told me I was negative for HIV
and hepatitis. (I wasn't worried!) He seemed surprised I didn't know about
the tests.  When the hospital bill came, there was a $400 charge for all the
labwork.  I called about that and they took the charge off from my insurance
company, but the chief nurse said it was not required for me to give
permission if staff was involved. I certainly would have given permission,
but was never asked.  Is this the way its done everywhere?   I have asked
some nurse anesthesists at other hospitals and they said, yes they draw
blood in case of a needle stick right then and there, and never ask
permission. I had always assumed that informed consent was required for this
as it is part of the permanent record.

Ann Calandro,RNC,IBCLC