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.

[rnhopeful82, ASN, RN]

I don't have any idea if this could help, but both of your posts mention red marks on your hands. If you are constantly washing your hands while working (as you should be), maybe the red marks are from dry/cracked skin? Maybe moisturizing would help at least that concern. Good luck!

[conroenurse]

Okay maybe, as a Psych nurse of 35yrs plus, I am misinterpreting posts and so sorry if I'm missing the boat, but if a new ( or really any nurse) didn't have anxiety (yes I read both posts) I would be really concerned. I see nothing that would make anyone suggest a Mental Health Professional is needed. We are individuals and we grow from being one type to another type, but most of us still have our moments of concern or things that keep us awake at night wondering over and over if we remembered to sign this, remember to do that. It's nursing!

[/username, BSN, RN]

What's a BM box?

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

It's the box for da dookie.