Hepatitis C risk

I am a new health care worker. Some weeks ago I had a patient who was hepatitis C positive. Gloves on, I touched her legs which I saw had some old scabs - I know I touched the scabs and it looked like they had dried blood on them, definitely no wet blood. I took my gloves off and purelled my hands but unfortunately not until after I'd touched my pen and stethoscope with my gloved hands. Is there a realistic risk of having transferred hep C to my things and then infecting myself by touching them, then my eye, or through a papercut, or something like that? If so, wouldn't everything that the patient touched after touching her legs then be contaminated and dangerous?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Although anything is possible, the scenario you describe would have an extremely low risk of transmitting hepatitis C.

To be sure, obtaining blood tests now and in 6 months can be done to ensure the virus hasn't been transmitted.  

This question can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com