Is this a Exposure?

I am a nurse on a cardiac floor and while de-accessioning an HIV+ patient's port-a-cath a large bore needle tore through my glove and scrapped my finger. I immediately took off my glove and tried to milk the cut. I was unable to get blood to come out. The cut is visible but appears to only be on the superficial layer, much like a paper cut. I washed my hands with soap and water and alcohol based sanitizer. I went to the employee health nurse and they offered PEP therapy and blood testing. We called a HIV help line and they said that the side effect risk of taking PEP most likely outweighed my risk of contracting from such a superficial cut. This patient's viral load is small at 580/ml. How large is my risk, should I take the PEP. I did do the blood testing and will take precautions until the following test come back negative. I am just worried if I am making a mistake by not taking the PEP.
I am just worried and need someone to help me with the facts.

[Teak]

I agree that PEP is not warranted. I doubt that you were at risk due to the scratch did not cause bleeding.

[ECN44120]

If blood dindt came out, the virus couldnt get in.

Good Luck

[nurse85]

The patient came back positive for Hep C too, does this increase my changes of contracting one or the other.

[peekawho]

There is nothing you can do about the HepC issue anyway, except to wait and see.  If it was as superficial a cut as you say, hopefully you will be fine.

Employee health did fill out a full report, I'm assuming?  You didn't just speak to them on the phone, but actually went in and made a report?

[nurse85]

Yes I did a report. They are following up with blood work at 6, 12, 24 and a year.

[regularjoey]

I agree that the risk is too low for PEP, you made the right choice.  Let's keep our fingers crossed that everything turns out OK

[nonbeliever]

no blood out means no virus in. i am sure you will be okay. sending you good karma

[nurse85]

Well I got my 3 month test results and still negative. Need to wait until 6 months for a more conclusive Hep C test. Thanks for the support, you guys really calmed my nerves right after the incident.

[stressed123]

Congrats! As most would say 3 months is def a conclusive result. Im sure in the occupational health setting they will want to continue retesting but the great news is that your 99% fine. Stay well !