Aa
Confused about needlestick
I was on here the other day asking about a tattoo multi needle stick. The tat needle was at least a month old when I got poked by it. I talked to a few people who said I have nothing to worry about since it was that old. I went to my doctor yesterday for a exam and mentioned the needle stick I told her how old the needle was and even mentioned that I was told and read that hep c dies after so long she disagreed with me and told me I have a lot to worry about mostly hep c and hiv. I am a little worried again I recently just had all my yearly blood work and exams done was hoping I did not have to do then again and she tells me now that I need to re test in 6 months. I am seriously thinking about switching doctors since I am not sure what to think as of now...
"The tat needle was at least a month old when I got poked by it"
I read your other post where they told you you were fine. I agree with what was said before but if you need reassurance then I will tell you that if the needle was as old as you say...then you are fine. If your doctor disagrees with how long HCV lives outside of the body, you can print handouts from the CDC to show her otherwise. Many primary care docs no very little to nothing about HCV so I wouldn't sweat it.
How long does the Hepatitis C virus survive outside the body?
The Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature, on environmental surfaces, for at least 16 hours but no longer than 4 days.
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/cfaq.htm
I read your other post where they told you you were fine. I agree with what was said before but if you need reassurance then I will tell you that if the needle was as old as you say...then you are fine. If your doctor disagrees with how long HCV lives outside of the body, you can print handouts from the CDC to show her otherwise. Many primary care docs no very little to nothing about HCV so I wouldn't sweat it.
How long does the Hepatitis C virus survive outside the body?
The Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature, on environmental surfaces, for at least 16 hours but no longer than 4 days.
http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/c/cfaq.htm
When my doctor asked me if I wanted to be tested for HIV too - I just looked at the doctor like you are kidding right. HIV/HCV are often tested for at the same time. Having a tattoo needle stick you would be a good reason to be tested for hepatitis C. I think what you doctor is concerned about is risky behavior with needles. If I was a doctor and a patient came in and said they poked there finger on a tattoo needle in a draw a month ago - I think I would question what you really were doing and your unsafe practices with needles that can indeed infect you with serious disease. Hepatitis C lives outside the body for approximately 4 days. So a month is a great deal longer and pretty must assures the virus isn't living anymore. But now let's go back to risky behavior and unsafe conditions. Hepatitis C can live longer in the right environment like a bottle of wet tattoo ink. The fact that your asking these questions about exposure to Hepatitis C and tattooing send up a read flag you may not even know how infection is transmitted by tattoo equipment. This is very concerning and your doctor has taken the time and effort to make sure your being tested. Take the time to read "www.cdc.govhepatitis/c/FAQ.htm"
Your doctor is looking out for your best interest.
Best to you
Your doctor is looking out for your best interest.
Best to you
There are plenty of clinics that test for Hepatitis A, B & C as well as AIDS. I guess you could test for the Hepatitis C Antibody if for anything your peace of mind. You could also donate blood as most donation centers screen for these things.
I only say this since debating the matter back and forth is not offering you the assurance you might need to move on.
I only say this since debating the matter back and forth is not offering you the assurance you might need to move on.
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