How worried should I be?

While at work I was starting an IV and got about a drop or two of blood form a pt with Hep C. On my intact skin. I Immediately washed my hands. I am sure I am just over worrying but I was just curious about the risk.  


This discussion is related to Hepatits.

[Isobella]

It's blood to blood transmission.  DId you have gloves on?

[Bill1954]

The following link will take you to the U.S. Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to HBV, HCV, and HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis:

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5011a1.htm

As a health care worker, you should have received information and guidelines on this scenario previously; if not, there’s nothing like the present to learn.

The short answer to your question is no, the exposure as you detail it does not put you at risk for Hep C. As Isobella says, there has to be blood to blood contact for transmission to occur.

Good luck—

Bill

[tashka]

Your risk of transmission in this situation is zero. Hepatitis C is transmitted only blood to blood. Don't worry.

[Rockerforlife]

Dd you have cuts on your hands or any broken skin,like sores or scrapes?....werent you wearing gloves?


Gandhi
The fragrance always remains on the hand that gives the rose.

[dabdees]

Perhaps the healthcare system you work for can provide you with education regarding the transmission of infectious diseases.  It's unfortunate that the public or even many who work in healthcare are not aware that hepc can only be transmitted when the blood of an infected person enters the bloodstream of another.  In your case, unless you had an open wound you are in no danger of contracting hepc.  Blood cannot be absorbed  through healthy skin.  Even if you had broken skin where the exposure occured, the likelihood of infection is slight.  I would not worry at all.

dabdees

[Rockerforlife]

Ive read that the hep virus can piggy back on the herpes virus,for example,if you have hep c and cold sores,its possible to pass the hep c from cold sore to cold sore and cold sores viruses can pass  skin membranes like lips and eyes.

[becksta29]

like ev1 said u r fine stop worry'n.