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Discussion

Should I worry about possible needlestick?

Its crazy, you would think I would know if I had a needlestick, but I don't. I was giving insulin and while pinching the skin, I felt the needle. I don't remember flinching, but I withdrew the needle-took off my glove and milked my finger. There was no blood, no mark, but I still have the fear because this is a hep c patient and who knows what else?

The hospital staff for environmental exposure didn't seem concerned and said that it very very unlikely that I would of contracted anything because there was no blood or mark. Therefore, no treatment was initiated. What do yall think? I thought even superficial sticks pose a risk?

Any advice would be appreciated

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I'd get myself to a doctor ASAP.

I don't feel comfortable with the institutions' response.

Protect yourself.

I'd always have a concern for any needlestick.

They should have initiated treatment. They should initiate treatment, now.

Seems like they brushed it off. I agree, protect yourself. It's better to be safe than sorry. Always trust YOURSELF before you trust others.

Good luck

Trust your gut instinct. You obviously have concerns - you felt the needle - and you know the pts. hep c status... I would be knocking down the door of the risk management nurse's door right now!!!

  • Author

Well, I have contacted everyone under the sun and it is unanimous that we are not going to do antiviarals because I am pregnant (sorry forgot to mention that) and they do not think there is any risk of exposure. However, for peace of mind blood draws will be done. I also didn't mention before that I am a nursing student about two weeks away from graduating. Apparently as a student, I must go by whatever the hospital says and the ER will only treat me if they believe its necessary. If I disagree, I can go to my regular doctor.

Furthermore, there is some controversy over "what a puncture is?." Some people believe it is a wound penetrating to the point a mark is made and blood is able to be produced. Others believe it can just be a scratch. They said they would be worried if I was drawing up blood or just gave an IM and scratched myself with a needle, but that is not the case. In my case I pinched up skin inserted the needle and felt the needle on the other side. The chances of contracted Hep C, etc.. from a nonvascular area and an insulin syringe is really low and compounded with the fact that there is no mark, blood, or bruising-pain puts my risk basically at zero because that is not classified as a penetrating wound.

All I can do now is trust what 7 people who deal with this stuff as a full time job believe. I tend to worry more than I should and I am trying my best not to let it get the best of me. So thanks for all your responses and I will keep you updated with my lab results:)

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