Risk from possible puncture?

[Lemmerk769]

I work in a lab and I actually do HepC testing. The other day I was removing part of an instrument we use to do the testing and when I was getting a glass tube out of rubber tubing I felt something sharp. I looked at the glass and it wasn't broken, I looked at my gloves-no holes or blood. I finished my work and when I took my gloves off I noticed under my thumbnail it was red. I washed it off but I don't think it was bleeding....if it was it was not a lot.  I re-examined my gloves and the glass and still nothing. I was by myself since I was working overtime. My thumb (under my nail) hurt last night, and it hurt again today. I re-examined the glass thing and I found out on the round edge instead of being smooth, it had a point on it because apparently the stupid thing was not made properly.

I know I should have reported this, but I have gone to employee health previously because I thought I got something in my eye. They didn't do any testing or anything because they didn't think I was at risk (I felt something dry in my eye, and the stage in the testing had washed away all the serum). I just assumed I hadn't exposed myself to anything and they'd basically tell me the same thing before. The tubing is used to wash the testing containers so it ***** up serum but also a lot of water, so I figured they would say it wasn't a blood exposure. Also, I didn't report it because I was just scared and felt stupid. Now I know better. I am going to report it Monday if it still hurts then.

Am I at risk for anything? Is it worth worrying over or even reporting? It's just red and hurts under my nail (kinda close to the fingertip)..it doesn't look like any wounds, but it's hard to tell because it's under my damn nail. I don't know if I actually punctured myself or just bruised/stabbed/scraped it. Even if I was offered I wouldn't take PEP for HIV. I'm more worried about HCV since that's what the test was for and there were DEFINITELY positives. I honestly don't know if my workplace would test me for these things since I am unsure if I actually punctured myself.

[Susan_1a_CC]

You know, you might even suggest to your employer that they make a policy of testing all of the lab techs twice a year.  A nice pro - action.

[copyman]

why not go to your own doctor and ask for a lab order for the test. Or have the blood drawn and test it yourself?  You should wait 2 months to get the test? I'm not sure about the seroconversion time. maybe someone else will post that.

[Trinity4]

You work in a lab where they test for hepc.  You were very articulate in explaining your situation on public forum to people who can't tell you with any certainty whether or not you were at risk nor can we administer a test.  I would think by giving your employer the same explanation you gave us they would have no other choice but to offer testing.  

We aren't doctors and regardless of what we say such as yes there was some risk but testing shows negative. Or we say no risk and testing shows positive.  Just get tested, it will answer all your questions and end your anxiety one way or the other.

Trinity

[Lemmerk769]

I just looked at my thumb again, and there seems to be a little bit of blood/dried particles of blood/nail particles. I'm not sure if it's from yesterday or from me picking at it....

I'm just afraid there was a tiny hole in the glove that I didn't notice. It still hurts quite a bit. I've hurt myself under my nail before. It kind of feels like I separated the nail from the skin..I don't know. If I had actually punctured myself there would be a lot of blood I am assuming? And a hole in the gloves?

[Diane12855]

If there was no hole in your gloves as you say, you don't have anything to worry about. You could have easily stuck something under your fingernail before or after that.

Diane