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What is the likelyhood that I could contract Hep C from an infected patient?
I was stuck with a small needle electrode that had been used during a surgery on a patient with Hep C. This was a small non-hypo needle electrode that was placed in the scalp of the patient. I did feel a small poke from the needle, it did not go very deep and the site did not bleed. I immediately squeezed my gloved finger and no blood was present. I washed with several alcohol based cleansers, iodine based cleansers, and whatever else I could find within reach. What is the likelihood that I could have been infected?
During all my Hep C research I have been doing, I read that the chances of contracting HCV from a needle ***** is only 1.8%, but I am sure that happens when it is a definite break of the skin.
I agree with copyman but would add that I'd report it to effectively record and date the incident. Your hospital must have a policy to deal with this workplace hazard.
I think there's a two to three percent chance of infection if the needle broke your skin and there was obvious blood-to-blood contact. This doesn't 'appear' to be the case here.
To be detected very soon after an incident, you'd have to have a PCR test, NOT an antibody test and I believe I read that even then a viral load can go in and out of detectable at the beginning.
I think the virus itself is generally detectable in the blood within one to three weeks after infection but antibodies are detectable within 3 to 12 weeks or even longer. (Did someone say possibly up to six months? I don't remember but maybe someone else knows.)
I'd report now and delay testing. For peace of mind.
Susan
I think there's a two to three percent chance of infection if the needle broke your skin and there was obvious blood-to-blood contact. This doesn't 'appear' to be the case here.
To be detected very soon after an incident, you'd have to have a PCR test, NOT an antibody test and I believe I read that even then a viral load can go in and out of detectable at the beginning.
I think the virus itself is generally detectable in the blood within one to three weeks after infection but antibodies are detectable within 3 to 12 weeks or even longer. (Did someone say possibly up to six months? I don't remember but maybe someone else knows.)
I'd report now and delay testing. For peace of mind.
Susan
very remote chance you were infected from this exposure. without blood present I think there is no chance of infection. Still get tested for peace of mind but I think you will be negative.
Hi same thing happened to me yesterday. No blood came out after squeezing. I was cannulating a hep c patient and I accidently got poked by the needle. It was a small non hypo needle. I cleaned my finger with as much alcohol as I could. Now I can see a very superficial scratch. I went to occupational health department after that, they took my blood to keep serum. I have to go after 6 week again and then again 3 mon, 6mon.
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