Hey everyone,

Great site you have here. I was stuck by an insulin needle last week, after using it on a Hep C+ client. I've read almost everything I've found on the internet re: Hep C and needles sticks. I know my odds are good. I've called the hotline. I still have a few wks before I get tested.

At this point, knowing what I know, the only thing that would make me feel better is hearing stories here, who has converted, who hasnt... and the stick details.

I know this subject has been beat to death, but I'm a new nurse, semi young, and pretty nervous. So any replies would be appreciated.

I've been stuck twice. I'm fine. Don't worry about it. Really, the idea that you will get hep C from an insulin needle on your very first indicent is pretty rare.

Being as the injection was SQ with a very small needle your chances of contracting Hep C is minuscule especially if you were wearing gloves. Try not to think about it until you are tested.

isis07734,

I completely understand how you feel, if I didn't know better I would think I just posted what you wrote. The exact same thing happened to me on Thanksgiving. I was injected heparin though with a subq needle, the patient jerked the needle bounced back and hit me on the top side of my thumb. It happened so fast I don't even know if it even went into his skin. I have done the same as you and read absolutely everything I can to ease my fears. I have gone for my baseline test and will be retested the first week in January. So I guess here's good luck to you and me!!!

I had a Hep C positive needlestick after attempting an IV and getting flashback. Never tested positive.

Thanks for your comment JlsRN, that helps. :wink2:

Thanks everyone for replying. I'll keep you all up to date, and hopefully this thread will turn into one of those threads that makes those who were stuck feel better. :)

Hey there--sorry to hear you got stuck! I've been there, and it isn't fun...I, too, was stuck with a hep C+ needle--15gauge dialysis fistula needle! The patient flinched upon withdrawal, and bam it got me in the index finger-blood everywhere! inside and outside of glove! I tested negative after 6 months. You will, too. I know you're nervous, but you'll be ok!

Thanks daisy, that one helped. I can't imagine how you must have felt! Scary!!

My first needlestick was an insulin syringe from a little old lady...who ended up being hep C positive (she and her doc had no idea prior to that). I ended up being fine...second needlestick was years later, and still hep C negative.

This is a great thread! Not only does it effect nurses but also guys like me who are tattooers. We all need a lil reassurance now an then when get scared! So good job nurses ,your stories help more people then u know!

Hope everyone had a good holiday!

I'm a week away from getting my RNA HVC test. I've been doing really well since my last post, but every now and then it hits me... When I went to pull the sheath over the insulin needle my hand slipped over it, or my hand was to high up... I draw a blank as to the details, anyway I had 3 portals of entry (the needle slid down my hand)- dont ask me how! haha.

Anyway, just wanted to give you an update. Thanks for all the replies. Jessegirl, hope youre doing ok over there!

isis im sure you will be okay--i'll keep my fingers crossed:D

I do have a question for all that have been"stuck"---I am a nursing student and have never given an injection---I have been a Phlebotomist full-time for the past 6 years and have never been "stuck"--im just wondering if injections are more difficult/dangerous to give then drawing blood-----im getting alittle worried now, I was kinda counting on that to be one of my advantages in school!?!