needle stick

Nurses Safety

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Hi, I am a nervous reck! after giving a patient insulin subcu in his stomach. I mistakenly stuck my self in the middle finger. Then I find out he is hep c postiive. I had to go for baseline labs today. no PEP because he tested neg for HIV last month, however he came back today for labs. I was told by occmed that i have 72 hours to get treated with pep for HIV if he does have it. I dont think he has it, but i am concerned about the hep c. what are my chances? I did milk it and wash it right after it happen

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

I'm sorry to read that. Risk of seroconversion from a known HCV infected patient after a needlestick is generally low (some studies say 1.8%). Some factors affect the risk and these include whether it was a deep puncture and whether the patient's blood has contaminated the needle (such as during a venipuncture or arterial blood draw). You've already done the right thing by reporting it. Do the required follow up and hope for the best.

Source: What Should I Do If I Get a Needlestick? - The Hospitalist

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

(HUGS) breathe.....CDC - Bloodborne Infectious Diseases - Emergency Needlestick Information - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic

CDC - Bloodborne Infectious Diseases - HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic

The actual incidence of infection is actually low and an insulin needle very small.

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