Cocaine risk?

Am I at risk for HCV? I was with a person who was a longtime cocaine addict. We went out drinking. At the endof the night I tried some coke. It was my first and only time. I snorted it off the corner of a credit card (put the credit card under my nostril- no straws involved). The person I'm with may have also snorted off of the same credit card corner I used. I'm not sure, I was really drunk and not paying attention. If we had snorted it off the same corner of the credit card, and putting the card right under our nostrils, nottoo far up the nasal passage, what is my risk for HCV>? I'm stupid naive and a bit worried. This will be my last time using .

[pj1881]

About 1 in 2.5 million... But the chance is still there!

[Rbop]

Thank-you for the response!

[22hamilton]

Dont worry I would say the chances are very remote. Hepatitis C is only transmitted through blood transfer.

[meakea]

Personally, I feel that everyone should get tested for HCV.  Get tested and you can put your concern to rest.

[Rbop]

Does anyone know how to obtain a free HCV test? I have no insurance/ job at the moment.

[Trinity4]

Donate blood, it's free and they test for HCV antibodies but it can take up to six months for antibodies to appear.  Honestly, I think your risk was very marginal.

I'm not sure, but I think your county Health Department may offer an antibody test too.

Trinity

[meakea]

Local health department.

[nygirl7]

I got it that way BUT I was a pretty long time user myself.  I'd say your chances are zip but if you have any questions you should donate some blood and find out for sure (plus it's a good thing to do anyway and we can't anymore so you could do it for those who do have HCV but wish they could do it themselves!)

[Jakied]

DO NOT donate blood for a free hep c test.   Not a good idea.  from what you described

the chance of transmitting Hcv is slim to none.

[Diane12855]

Why do you say  that? If they don't have HCV, at least the blood bank has some more blood for somebody who needs it.

Diane

[nygirl7]

I agree with Diane - with such incredible blood shortages and a person who most likely doesn't even have the disease it makes sense that they can both get something out of the deal. Blood for someone who needs it and peace of mind for this person. I don't see the harm in that.

[Jakied]

Doctors and the Red Cross will tell you that donating blood for a free blood test for

Hiv/hep C/Hep C etc is a bad idea for the following reason.  What if you are in the

'window' period for any of the viruses?  If you are recently infected, the screening

test may not detect the antibody and the NAT may not pick up the virus.  Recently

infected people are VERY infectous but may be undetectable on the tests.

the tests used after donating blood are very sensitive but not infallible.  i am sure

no one would want to pass on Hep c or an STD just to get a free blood test.

[Jakied]

And i say this as a long time blood donor.

In addition, you have to answer 25 or so questions before you donate.  if you answer

honestly, you will not be able to donate if you have a recent exposure to Hiv/Hep b or

c.  I am not trying to bust anyone's chops here.  just playing devil's advocate.

[Trinity4]

Notated on my above post "Donate blood, it's free and they test for HCV antibodies but it can take up to six months for antibodies to appear."

Waiting at least three months would be advisable.

Trinity

[Trinity4]

I'm speculating but it seems a lot of people do that around here, you know kind let the old fanny to do the talking but Rbop's exposure was about zero.  You can't assume because someone is a long time coke user they automatically have hepc.  No straw, no blood and I don't care what anyone says the exposure was negligible.  Yeah, yeah, I've  heard it all before about it only takes one tiny little smidgen of blood but under the circumstances Rbop describes it would have to be the perfect storm and I'm not seeing it.

Trinity

[Jakied]

I agree.  Rbop has a better chance of winning the lottery than contracting hep c from the

scenario above.

[kettyboo]

I had no Idea that this is the way these blood banks work.If theres that much time nvolved here in betweens showing up? America is in a world of trouble.You think drug addict is gonna tell the truth and pass up a piece of dope your sadly mistaken.I had know Idea boy I am glad Ive never gave blood.Only because when they have to take blood for test I always passout.So I wouldnt dare get hooked up to a machine.