How safe are safety lancets?

[Allybee23]

Hey all. On placement today there was a used safety lancet in the BM box which not thinking too much about it i picked up and took to sharps box. On moving it tho i had my finger over the hole where the needle protrudes when activated. Later in the day I noticed a scratch somewhat like a paper cut on my finger where i had held the lancet.

Is it possible that from holding there the needle could have scratched me?

If so would i need treatment? No blood and only used for one patient on ward, an 85 year old with no drug history.

Think I'm over worrying as i know even if it was that the science says thst the odds of hep is 1 in 30 and hiv is 1 in 300 and probably more blood than this would be required for infection.....

Thanks. A very worried student.

[klone, MSN, RN]

What's a BM box?

Did you feel it poke you? Were you wearing gloves?

[Allybee23]

Sorry the box where we keep the blood glucose monitor and strips,lancets etc.

Nah didn't feel anything but had what looks like a skin tear later. Yeah gloves were on.

[klone, MSN, RN]

You wore gloves and didn't feel anything. I would not worry.

[Allybee23]

Thank you. Am I right that the needle on a safety Lancet disappears quite far into the plastic shield once used to prevent reusing?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yes..

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

This is your second topic regarding what I am interpreting as anxiety about sharps safety to the point where it affecting you, your studies and your placement.

Can I suggest you talk to someone at uni about this? Obviously you can pull a face at your computer screen about the stranger on the internet giving you advice if you want.....

[MunoRN, RN]

No, it's not really possible for a safety cover on a properly functional lancet to result in needlestick incident.

I would suggest that if you pick up a lancet with the safety cover engaged that you not stick your finger as close to the needle tip as possible, that's idiotic.

[Wuzzie]

This is your second topic regarding what I am interpreting as anxiety about sharps safety to the point where it affecting you, your studies and your placement.

Can I suggest you talk to someone at uni about this? Obviously you can pull a face at your computer screen about the stranger on the internet giving you advice if you want.....

I second this. You are perseverating on the subject of needle sticks and imaginary wounds. Of course due caution should always be taken when handling sharps but your anxiety has risen to an unreasonable level. You really need to get this under control before it spreads to other aspects of nursing care otherwise you are going to be miserable. This isn't something you can talk yourself out of. You really need professional guidance in dealing with your fears.

[Allybee23]

Thanks all, you are definitely correct. It stems from OCD but trying to get taken seriously when accessing gp over these issues is proving less than successful. Thanks.

[Wuzzie]

Thanks all, you are definitely correct. It stems from OCD but trying to get taken seriously when accessing gp over these issues is proving less than successful. Thanks.

Well that's truly unfortunate. I would hate to see your OCD cripple your success once you graduate. Are there any community mental health services in your area? They usually don't require a referral and often work on a sliding fee scale if insurance is an issue.

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

Thanks all, you are definitely correct. It stems from OCD but trying to get taken seriously when accessing gp over these issues is proving less than successful. Thanks.

You are I am guessing at uni in the UK from your terminology. there should some mental health services available on campus for you to access directly if you GP is being less than helpful.