Needles handled by New Mexico preschoolers not tainted

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Testing on two hypodermic syringes that were in box of playthings given to children at a New Mexico preschool shows they were not contaminated.

City spokesman Chris Ramirez says testing on the syringes came back negative for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. It appears they had not previously been used, but more testing is planned to be sure.

Four of 11 children in an Albuquerque preschool class apparently pricked themselves with the needles Tuesday. They complained about it to their teacher Wednesday.

The children found the syringes in a box of medical supplies apparently donated to the city-run Governor Bent Pre-Kindergarten Center for students to play with.

KRQE-TV reports that the city is trying to find out how the needles ended up in the box.