Hello, Found website to post to doctor and ask question as something happened today which I am not sure if it put me at risk for bloodborne pathogen transmission, saw a lot of intelligent posters in here and wondered if I could get a little feedback while I wait for response in the paid doctor forum.
Appreciate any feedback, thanks.
I am a medical student, working in a city hospital, had something happen today which I would like to know if I am at risk for after much debate.A few friends and I were practicing exam techniques on each other (specifically neuro exams).Someone had a reflex hammer (essentially same model as seen here – not sure if you’re familiar w/model/type, here it is though (below) has a brush/stainless steel “blunted pin” to test touch/sensation.The problem I have is one of the students used the small “pin” shaped tool which comes in the reflex hammer when trying to test sensation on hand/foot.Now the “pin” comes w/the reflex hammer (as you can see), is NOT a hollow IV needle but a short, semi-rounded-tip, stainless steel rod.The “point” at the end/entire device (which screws into the hammer) is very similar to the piece you attach to the end of a bicycle pump to pump up a basketball (definitely not as sharp as a needle tip, but maybe a little more “pointy” than a pen, NOT hollow at all/solid steel).Now as we were examaining each other, my friend realized/informed me that he had examined a patient earlier who was hiv/hep positive and did not clean it off with any alcohol/wipes (just screwed it back into hammer).I checked for any cuts, washed, did not find any.We began to debate as to whether or not I was at any real risk.No visible blood on “pin”, no visible cut on me, but he was “sliding” the hammer-pin along my skin to elicit neurological signs.Do I need to consider a) PEP b) hiv/hep testing?I have a fiancé (both have no risk factors c) isn’t the purpose of this pointed tool in the reflex hammer to ensure no skin trauma/blood transfer (as in using syringe),therefore would be fine/nothing to worry about, d)forget about it or get pep/tested?If you could give me an accurate read, been really nervous ever since.
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=neurological+hammer+bucks&cid=16083352066095784564&ei=QC6hTNiaGoTM2wST2MDHAw&sa=image&ved=0CAgQ8gIwADgA#p
Thanks.