Hello I really need some advice...
I am a dental nurse, I got a needle stick injury. While I was taking the needle apart to dispose of it the top came loose and I pricked myself in the finger
. It all happened so fast. I washed it under a tap and tried to squeeze out as much blood as I could. I don’t know the patients hiv status as they are not obliged to tell us and they may not even know themselves. I am very worried about it though.
The needle was used to inject anaesthetic into his gum, it was a 30g hollow bore needle. I was also wearing thin non latex gloves when I had the accident. I think the needle came into contact with a vein within the gum. Is there a risk of contracting hiv from this?
I then went for a blood test straight after but they told me that it would take up to 6 month to get a result back as I have to be tested again after 3 month, then a 3rd time. So is there a test I can take to get an accurate result more quickly? I think 6 month is a very long time to wait and worry!
Any advice appreciated thanx
Your risk is low. For these types of injuries, usually a deep wound from a large (e.g. 18 gauge) hollow bore needle is required for transmission to occur. And the chances are strong that the patient did not have HIV.
Still, it is imperative that you report this to your supervisor/employer ASAP and follow their advice, rather than trying to figure this out on-line. Your response to this incident should be strictly according to your employer's policies, NOT advice that you get from an anonymous forum.