very superficial wound during surgery on hiv+

[rejoice01]

Hello Dr. Parks,  My question is similar to the ones posted but i just needed to hear your answer pertaining to my incident.  While closing a wound on the helix of the ear post mohs surgery i was  very superficially scrached ( less then a papercut) by the forcep. I was double gloved and honestly thought the instrument did not penetrate my gloves.  After surgery and cleaning up i noticed a very superficial scratch on my thumb outer aspect.  I tried to beed it but nothing came out and then cleansed the area with h2o + soap and betadine.  It is now the 2nd day after the incident and there is barely a mark on my hand. I did not report this because it is was so superficial but, of course now i am driving myself crazy...even though it was so minimal.  Please tell me your opinion on what to do and how often should i be tested.  I have ben a surgical nurse for 25 yrs. and this is a first for me.  Thank You.    

[rejoice01]

thank you for your response.  rejoice01

[DrOHS]

Hi, Risk associated with such superficial scratch in clinical setting almost remains nil, but can not be ignored completely. Usually, in occupational health practice there is a thorough investigation program for any blood borne exposure and immediately reported to specialist. If you think there is a potential exposure of source blood or fluid after that forcep injury, you may require testing or clinical history of source to know his or her any present infection like HIV, Hep-B, C etc. Thank you.

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

Based on the information that you shared in your posting, your risk is "low" based on CDC guidelines--likely very low. Risk depends on the amount of the exposure (blood or bodily fluid exchanged), the depth of the laceration (or puncture), whether the site of the exposure is thoroughly cleaned after the exposure, and characteristics of the source (infection staus - HIV, Hep C, Hep B + viral load, etc).

In the setting of online communication, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer to your question because we are not able to discuss all of the "variables" in the risk formula in your specific case.

If you would like a more definitive answer to your question, I encourage you to visit your occupational/employee health team where you work.

Also, I have included a link to the CDC website:  http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/bbp/Exp_to_Blood.pdf
~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.