Hep C needle sticks

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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.

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Specializes in ICU.

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.

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Specializes in cardiac, ortho, med surg, oncology.

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.

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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!!!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

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

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

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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. :)

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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!:nurse:

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

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Specializes in tele, oncology.

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.

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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!:yeah:

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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!

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