![]() | ||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Needle sticks and transmissionAug 12, 1997 I am a surgeon. I was recently stuck with a suture needle. This happened one week ago. Since that time, my patient has tested positive for HIV with an Elisa, although the titer was very low. Western Blot pending. I am HIV negative. What is the risk of seroconversion at 3,6, and 12 months with this type of exposure? |
||||||||
![]() |
||||||||||
![]() |
||||||||||
![]() |
![]() | Response from Dr. CohenTo my knowledge, there has never been a case of HIV transmission as a result of a stick with a solid-bore needle such as a suture needle. The cases of occupational tranmission as a result of needle sticks occur as a result of sticks with blood-filled, hollow-bore needles. It's easy to see why. What little blood there is on a suture needle gets wiped off as it goes through the glove. The risk of seroconversion from needle sticks is usually quoted as being in the range of 3 per 1000, but in your case I would say it is much lower. A negative test at 3 months would be extremely reassuring, and after 6 months there would be no need for repeat testing. | ||||||||
![]()
|
||||||||||
![]() |

Q&A TERMS OF USE
This forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not rendering medical, mental health, legal or other professional advice or services. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, mental health, legal or other problem that requires advice, consult your own caregiver, attorney or other qualified professional.
Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither TheBody.com nor any advertiser is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Review our complete terms of use and copyright notice.
