HIV needle stick

allnurses Guide · Apr 7, 2015

I am beyond freaking out about this. I am a home health nurse. Out of all the people I have stuck, I get pricked by a HIV + patient's needle. I was being too careful. Does anyone know whats the chances of me actually contracting hiv fom this?? It didn't break skin, but for sure pricked me.

You need to report this immediately and let your industrial health department determine if you need post exposure prophylaxis. Instead of driving yourself nuts be proactive. Best of luck to you.

Hppy

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

The chances of contracting HIV from a needlestick are about 0.3% (I'll find the link/source later for you). The odds of escaping this unscathed are overwhelmingly in your favor...though I know that's little comfort when you are on the wrong end of the needlestick.

You can't undo what happened, but try not to stress out too much over it (easier said than done, I know). As you know, we at AN can't give medical advice per our TOS...so I'm glad you are addressing this with your employer's Occ Health. Keep on following their instructions and those of your primary healthcare provider to help improve your chances.

Best of luck.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

Here's the source of my statistic, and more info for you:

CDC - Bloodborne Pathogens - Occupational Exposure FAQs - Infection Control in Dental Settings - Oral Health

amzyRN · Apr 7, 2015

Didn't you report this to your employer and file a worker's comp claim? Did you see an MD at your employers expense? I think most employers have to provide this to employees, but maybe not all employers do. I think you should see an MD right away to get this checked out. Some people have used PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) if one chooses this treatment based on the particular case and advised by a physician after a needle stick from an HIV positive patient. I have read that this can be very effective within 72 hours to prevent transmission.

I had a needle stick injury myself from a disease free patient and was told that even if I had been stuck by a dry needle (no blood) from an HIV positive patient the chances were very unlikely I would catch HIV. But there are other diseases to worry about. I am not an MD and cannot give you medical advice regarding your particular incident but do encourage you to see an MD right away. Definitely file a worker's comp claim also.

roser13, ASN, RN · Apr 7, 2015

You need to report this immediately and let your industrial health department determine if you need post exposure prophylaxis. Instead of driving yourself nuts be proactive. Best of luck to you.
Hppy

From the OP:

"It was reported right after it occurred. Blood was drawn. Policies and procedures were followed. Again, I was just looking for reassurance. "

RNMA15 · Apr 8, 2015

"I know how you feel" may sound too cliche, but I just want you to know I have been there- at least 3 times! And I am HIV free. The probability of getting HIV from a real poke- like the ones I had- is quite low. The first time, 2 decades ago in Africa, there was no treatment yet, no fancy safety-guarded needles, no protocols, but lots of HIV. My workmates pretty much comforted me with what sounded to me like "advance condolences." It was a real poke, I squeezed it out to bleed it more and scrubbed my finger with anything within my reach. I was scared to check my HIV status for years, and had tons of nightmares about testing and waiting for the results for ever! When I finally did, I was negative, but still repeated it somewhere else to make sure. Waiting was tough, each time. The next one was from a patient with advanced HIV/AIDS,on medication-she violently moved while I gave an IM and I got a real poke that bled. But this time there was a protocol, and each time the test came, it was a horrible feeling. But I was OK. The 3rd time the patient was HIV negative, but the process was still scary! Take a deep breath, and get yourself through the processâ€¦there are more chances you will be fine than not! Hope you feel better!

suanna · Apr 8, 2015

Do you have a personal doctor you know and trust? Just like everyone else- I'm not giving treatment advise, but what your institution decides is appropriate care and risk management may not be what you and your doctor decide. There was a trend not too long ago to start any HIV exposure on a 3mos treatment regime. As an example, I had a exposure to Hep C (I did CPR in the field to a face trauma pt without a bag or mask). After the CPR I called my doc. We didn't know anything about the patients risk factors at the time, but my doc ordered a full load of Gamma G[OUCH!], a series of Hep B vaccine, and seriel lab work for several weeks. I am sure the risk was low, but as my doctor said, I'd rather err on the side of prophylaxis that may not have been needed that on treatment that may not have been necessary. HIV treatment meds are a bit pricey, and a health care provider may consider a reduction of 1 chance in 50 to 1 chance in 500 of contracting HIV isn't worth the cost. That is a conversation I want to have with my PCP.

champagnesupeRNova · Apr 8, 2015

What is wrong with you guys?

I'm sorry this happened to you, OP. The chance of transmission is very, very low (I think about 0.25%). Sending good vibes your way.

NightWatch · Apr 12, 2015

I had a needlestick from an used glucose lancet. Per my occupational health MD, the chances of contracting HIV through a small needle is less than 3% (or was it 0.3%) due to the virus dying in air. Unless I was worked in a prison and was held down and injected with blood, the risk of contracting HIV is small. My options were to 1) do nothing, 2) get regular blood checks for 6 months, or 3) take anti-retrovirals which cause really bad SE's. I chose to get regular blood checks and everything came out fine. Take to your occupational health doc and see what options are for you!

heron, ASN, RN · Apr 12, 2015

Yes, you need to report the near miss, but from what you posted, your chances of infection are nil.

explore the CDC website for more info on risk factors.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 12, 2015

I had a needlestick from an used glucose lancet. Per my occupational health MD, the chances of contracting HIV through a small needle is less than 3% (or was it 0.3%) due to the virus dying in air.

It's 0.3%.

Once outside the body, HIV is an incredibly fragile virus, which is the good news. I fear getting Hep C through occupational exposure far more than I fear getting HIV, because that Hep C virus is a hearty one even outside the body...that, plus Hep C infection seems to be the norm in my patient population.

Take to your occupational health doc and see what options are for you!

Agreed. You and the MD/primary healthcare provider need to work out what treatment options are best given the exposure and your health history.

roser13, ASN, RN · Apr 12, 2015

. What is wrong with you guys?
I'm sorry this happened to you, OP. The chance of transmission is very, very low (I think about 0.25%). Sending good vibes your way.

What the what??