Occupational puncture wound. Very concerned.

[teacupss]

Hi there. I'm a dental assistant, and recently I got a puncture wound while cleaning a measuring instrument (a boley gage) after it got out of an ultrasonic cleaner (not sterilizer). One of the sharp end of the instrument poked into my index finger, and I bled. I tried to milk the wound, but nothing else come out, and I washed it with soap and water. The dentist and another assistant told me I was not exposed to blood, and that the instrument didn't even touch the patient's tissue; we also checked the patient's health history and everything was fine. But I'm still worried about HIV transmission through this kind of exposure. Do I need to test?

[Jeff G]

Hi Teacup . You didn't have risk . HIV is fragile and easily damaged and unable to infect when exposed to oxygen once it leaves the confine of the human body .

If the patient was HIV positive it wouldn't have mattered because HIV cant survive in that kind of environment . Its ok to move on and put this behind you now .

As long as you use condoms for vaginal and anal sex and refrain from sharing IV drug equipment you will avoid exposure to HIV .

[teacupss]

Thanks for the info, Jeff. I feel better; but how come their are still websites that say people could still catch HIV from sharp objects?

[Jeff G]

Thanks for the info, Jeff. I feel better; but how come their are still websites that say people could still catch HIV from sharp objects?

There is lots of outdated and incorrect data out there . We deal with the most up to date peer reviewed science when we do risk assessment . Our mission is to use the science and our many years of experience from living with HIV to prevent infections and fight stigma .

Every time we get someone to test and into treatment if they need to be ,  we have a good chance of preventing new infections and maybe saving the life of the person who test positive . We couldn't do this if we gave out inaccurate information .

If I thought you had a risk I would tell you so because its vitally important to do so . Its so much easier to tell you why we deal in science and truth than it is to tell you why others do not .   

[teacupss]

Hey Jeff. Sorry to bring this topic up again.

I know you said I didn't have a risk, but I tested at 6 1/2 weeks anyway for reassurance, and it was negative. Do you think that's good, or should I continue testing?

[jkinatl2]

Hey Jeff. Sorry to bring this topic up again.

I know you said I didn't have a risk, but I tested at 6 1/2 weeks anyway for reassurance, and it was negative. Do you think that's good, or should I continue testing?

Your test at six weeks can be taken as conclusive because you did not have a risk.

If you had endured a legitimate exposure, a test at three months would be considered definitive. It's up to you whether you wish to pursue testing or not. It's not necessary.