needlestick :(

[colleennurse]

I got poked today by a dirty BG lancet. I am a community health nurse so I carry my own sharps container. I was about to dispose of a used syringe and I dropped the containerm, as I was dropping it I moved my hands out of the way (cause I wasnt about to try and catch it) and I felt a poke. I look down on the floor and there was a BG lancet. So of course I have no idea whose it was. The good thing is that I cant remember the last time a patient used my sharps bin for a BG lancet, so it is old-not fresh blood. So now a year of testing ahead of me Employee health said it was not high risk enough for PEP, which I think I would have declined anyway. But I am breastfeeding and I cried my eyes out because I was sure that I would be told to stop. But I talked to my sons pedi and he said to go ahead and continue. I just had to share with some people who understand. My husband doesnt get how scary it is!

[colleennurse, ASN, RN]

Thanks everyone. It is scary, but I just keep trying to remind myself of the things that are in my favor (old blood, bg lancet, etc). If I weren't breastfeeding I don't think I would have been half as upset as I was when it happened. As far as one of the PP comments about hepatitis, per CDC hep c is not transmitted thru breastmilk and my son has rec'd 2 of the hep b vaccines, the ped stated that he was not worried about the hep. And I have also rec'd the hep b series. Anyways thanks everyone for the support. Sometimes only other people who deal with these things are the ones who understand

[mcallice44]

Try not to worry I am sure nothing will come of this, you said yourself it was an old sharp- chance of HIV zero, chance of hep C not much more than Zero, if it was less than 4 days old then maybe, but any more than that, and your on lottery winning odds- go ahead enjoy your baby, I have said a little prayer, not cos you need it so you don't catch anything, but to give you the strength to know everything will be OK. xxx

[BaRNs]

I haven't had one in almost 6 years. Is that unusual? I think my fear keeps me on my toes. Accidents are called accidents for a reason though. I hope all turns out well for you. I know two nurses and an MA that have been stuck with used syringes from HIV or Hep C pts. None of them contracted the disease though. We are a remarkably resilient species of animal. Our immune system is second to the cockroach and some other insects and the best in the mammal kingdom. Once you get past the first negative screening you will breathe easier, but I am sure you will have this in the back of your mind a while. Unavoidable, I know.

I have to agree with another comment, though, that said she would stop breastfeeding regardless of the pediatricians recommendations. Although I am a man and can't possibly share your level of concern, it just seems the prudent thing to do. You may wish to seek a second opinion on that issue.