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Needle stick
#254420 - 02/17/11 02:09 PM
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Hi,
I am a nursing student and I suffered a needle stick during clinical. The needle was sticking out of the sharps container. For some reason it did not fall all the way in. When I went to throw a subsequent needle into the container it poked me in the finger. It was an intradermal needle that was used to do a TB skin test about 30 minutes prior. So this needle did not enter the blood stream of the patient (as long as the procedure was performed correctly). The needle barely pricked me; however, it started to bleed a few seconds after the occurrence. I immediately put hand sanitizer on it and then washed my hands with soap and water vigorously. The institution then took my blood, as per policy to check me for HIV and HEP. We're not 100 percent sure on who the patient the needle was used on but we think we know who it is. They are going to test the patient when he comes back to get his TB skin test checked. I went to my doctor and he prescribed me zidovudine and lamivudine; however, I cannot afford the 400 dollars for the latter med, so I am just on the zidovudine. How much in risk of seroconversion with this type of needle stick? Again the needle was not in the patient's blood stream, it did not stick me deep, and the needle sat for around 30 minutes before sticking me. I appreciate any responses. I am just very worried.
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Hey there-
Your risk for HIV is nonexistant. The virus does NOT survive long at all in open air, certainly not 30 minutes. Hepatitis, there is some risk but not a whole lot. On average, the risk is about 3-5% after an exposure to an contaiminated needle.
I'd say chances are you're totally fine. It's good that they are testing you so you will know for sure, but don't scare yourself sick over it in the meantime.
How long until you get the results back?
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Thank you for your response. It's just nerve racking. I got my initial results back and they're all negative for heb b, hep c, and HIV. I have to retest in a few months I believe.
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The mind can do just awful things to us at times, can't it? I'm happy to hear of your negative results. I'd bet my next paycheck you're clean....HANG IN THERE.
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bartleby
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Reged: 01/19/10
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please say "negative" instead of "clean." you don't want to imply that people living with HIV are unclean or dirty.
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Bartleby at The Body
Bulletin Board Administrator
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bartleby
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Admin
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Reged: 01/19/10
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Posts: 650
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i agree, your chances of getting HIV this way are minimal at best. i wouldn't even have taken the PEP if I were you. there's no need to worry, but i understand that you'd rather be safe than sorry.
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Bartleby at The Body
Bulletin Board Administrator
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Got it. Sorry about that....I didn't think of the bad connotation and didn't mean any offense.
Won't happen again.
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