Probably Paranoid, but....

Published

Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

I got pulled to work half a shift in the overflow unit last night. I swear, every time this unit opens up, I get pulled.

I was doing blood sugars last night and found out later that one I did a test on (new onset DM) is Hep C+. I know it's a blood borne pathogen, but I can't remember if I put my gloves on or not. I probably did since that's usually my first step, but it's like the automatic response of locking the door.. you do it so often you don't remember if you did or not.

So, my question is... should I go to Employee Health?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did you stick yourself or otherwise have an exposure?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

No, no needle stick...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood to blood contact. You have to get their blood, containing the virus, into your blood.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

No, you do not need to go to employee health. Hep C is not spread by human contact. It is blood born and if you did not stick yourself with a contaminated needle there is no method of entry. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
No, no needle stick...
If there was no exposure... and that includes getting blood on non-intact skin... then you don't need to go to employee health.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

if you have no broken skin, open sores or accidental needle stick then you should be just fine.... just remember to always protect yourself! my instructor in paramedic school once told our class, "if you cant perform the skill with gloves on, then you shouldnt do it". i always walk around with a wad of them in my pocket, just incase i need them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I got pulled to work half a shift in the overflow unit last night. I swear, every time this unit opens up, I get pulled.

I was doing blood sugars last night and found out later that one I did a test on (new onset DM) is Hep C+. I know it's a blood borne pathogen, but I can't remember if I put my gloves on or not. I probably did since that's usually my first step, but it's like the automatic response of locking the door.. you do it so often you don't remember if you did or not.

So, my question is... should I go to Employee Health?

How did you think you contracted Hep C? This question goes to show how little folks know about things like Hep C and HIV.... .just fear fear fear.........

You are fine but let it be a lesson that you should treat EVERY SINGLE PATIENT as if they had HEP C and HIV!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

The fact that you are concerned about it tells me you are probably careful enough that it's not an issue. Spouses live at home with Hep C patients and avoid contracting it even with close daily contact. Gloves- always a good idea. Being careful-an absolute requirement.

I'd bet my licence that in this case you are fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Hospice.

I honestly do not remember if I put my gloves on or not. I didn't get a needle stick, BUT I do have open areas around my knuckles (non intact skin) and around my cuticles from washing my hands, and the cold weather has probably taken a toll too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I think you are fine as well. But, if you want to put your mind at ease, then, go to employee health to hear it from them. And, you'll probably make sure that you put them on at all times, now...since you experienced this fear. And, I'll tell you something. Each experience that you have to go out of your way to obtain a bit more information will make you remember it for the next time. You may have to explain to a person who has Hep C or a family member...someone. And, you will remember what almost happened, what you looked up and researched, and that you went to employee's health (if that is what you will do).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion