Occupational exposure - stick injury and testing

[b7Tap9q6g]

Hi all

Approximately 5 weeks ago I had a stick exposure to a human immunoglobulin (igG)  formulation in my laboratory.  It was in a glass ampoule that snapped in my hand and cut my finger quite deeply and bled quite a bit.

Given this is a human product I read over the certificate of analysis which stated it was negative for hep a, b and c. However it was ELISA and Western Blot indeterminate for HIV. It was tested for HIV RNA (at sensitivity of 50 copies/ml) was negative.

I was NOT given PEP and was just advised to test at 12 weeks and 24 weeks. I have a few questions

1. I tested negative at exactly 28 days with a DUO (antibody and antigen test). Is this conclusive?

2. I have read online that stick injuries can take longer than sexual exposures to test positive even if you have not taken PEP. Is this true or a myth?

3. I plan on taking another DUO test at 42 days,  would this be conclusive for a stick exposure

Also should note in Australia we use 4th Gen testing that according to guidelines is conclusive at 6 weeks,  however I believe that refers to sexual exposures.. would occupational be different?

Many thanks in advance

[b7Tap9q6g]

Further update: tested negative at 82 days post exposure. I can finally put this past me thanks for the support in the meantime

[b7Tap9q6g]

Just an update, tested negative with 4th generation antibody/antigen test at 42 days (6 weeks) post exposure.

Does anyone else have amy thing to add? How accurate is this 4th gen test at 6 weeks? I will update this with my 12 week results when I get them  

[b7Tap9q6g]

Thanks for your response. It is comforting to know that mode of exposure should not alter the timeline.

The product I cut myself with is not a pharmaceutical product though, it is a standard used in experiments and is NOT designed to be injected/used by humans, but merely as a reference in assays. This is why I am concerned as perhaps the guidelines are not as strict as an actual pharmaceutical product Safety.

[Claire_MHModerator]

Bear in mind that anyone can post information online -- true or not -- and it seems unlikely that the mode of exposure would alter its detection or timeline.  Studies have shown that HTLV's and other viruses don't replicate in plasma and it's implausible that a pharmaceutical company would bottle and sell potentially infectious products.  Since you work in a medical facility, your best bet would be to rely on the advice you've received.