HCV from Cotton Ball

[Eireann_guy]

Hi everyone,

Today I went to see my GP who requested the nurse to draw some blood to send it for testing. When I came to the nursing room, she swiped my arm with a piece of cotton which she then put to the couch which was not covered with any single use material. She then pulled some plastic tubes and put them to the same couch, a couple of tubes rolled  around. She took a new needle (I saw her unpacking it) and filled all of the tubes. I noted the fact of non-sterile couch to her but she replied that it doesn't mater as the only thing touching myself was the needle that was sterile. Then she ejected the needle, took the same cotton ball from the couch and asked to hold it tight to the wound. While she was preparing the plaster (un-sticking protective paper) I noticed she had no gloves on during the whole process. She then put the plaster to the wound.

My concerns are:
* She was not using gloves at any time.
* Cotton ball was put to the the non-sterile surface of the couch and remained there for the whole process.

Is there any chance of getting the HCV or any other disease from the above? What testing should be carried out and when?

Thanks a lot.

[Carlhcv]

Your risk is extremely small but get the cheap anti-body test in 6 months or so to keep you from worrying about it.

[Eireann_guy]

Thanks everyone for your replies and support. I also think that no safety practices should be neglected in the healthcare environment. It is sadly the case that some healthcare workers might get too complacent about health & safety in their daily jobs and start cutting the corners to the potential risk of themselves and their patients.

Any other opinions on the concern, please?

[hepcandme]

Nah, don't worry about it

But she should have been wearing gloves as that is standard procedure in a setting where blood is being drawn and for her own protection as well

[Livelife777]

The situation you describe has No Risk.  
You are Ok!   No worries.
.....Kim

[LA618]

I really don't think so. no. Infected? Maybe. Hep c no

[Eireann_guy]

Guys, I know my question might sound stupid to you, but I am totally serious and concerned as there was a similar incident investigated:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3270346/

Please let me know what you think on the possibility of getting infected from cotton, patch and (potentially) needle been in contact with hands and non-sterile GP practice surface.