Possible exposure to needle stick injury ??

[Ragnarnie]

Possible exposure from needle-stick injury??

I carried out a intra muscular steroid injection on a fellow gym member, against my better judgment!! I didn't consider this to be of any risk as I've injected steroids over many years.

I performed the injection removed the needle, there was no visible blood on the needle and placed the protective plastic cover back on.

The plastic protective cover wasn't placed back correctly as it was on at a slight angle and the needle tip pierced and penetrated through the side of the plastic and pricked my thumb.

I don't think it went particularly deep, I ran hot water over my thumb and squeezed several times until a very small amount of blood came out.

I cleaned the area thoroughly with anti bacterial washes!! Very embarrassed and very stressed out can workout how deep it would need to enter in order to be in contact with my blood stream??

Am I at risk ?? The question the person about his hiv status, which he just laughed off and said he wasn't?? But don't feel very reassured!! I'm too scared to have sex with my wife think I might be putting her at risk!!

Please can someone advise me on what to do?? It only happened today should I seek emergency pep treatment ??

I was thinking if I explained my concerns to him and pursued him to do a same day emergency blood test??

Thank you

[HowardH]

You don't necessarily need PEP. But you do need to see a professional in person to decide, not rely on this or any other forum, website, etc.

[Ragnarnie]

Oh gosh I was hoping not to have to take PEP I was hoping I was just over reacting !!! I feel like an idiot I was hoping that because nothing was injected and only the needle tip pierced slightly with no visible blood I would be ok! The needle tip had been exposed to air for quite a few seconds before it pricked me would that make a difference ??

Thanks

[HowardH]

Your risk for HIV is extremely low. Sharp instrument injuries that transmit HIV (mostly in health workers) generally involve visibly contaminated (bloody) instruments and with substantial injury, not a superficial needle stick.  

However, it isn't possble to say this was zero risk and it would be a good idea to see an expert ASAP to discuss PEP; some might recommend it, others probably wouldn't. I think you're also on the right track to ask the other fellow to be tested. You can do both: sometimes PEP is started (the sooner the better) then stopped after a day or two if it becomes known there was no exposure, in this case if he tests negative. If he is willing, you could go together to the doctor/clinic to discuss both PEP and testing him.