Author Topic: Needle Stick Injury (Read 7140 times)

Maggmc29 · « **on:** January 24, 2012, 01:31:03 pm »

I'll try to be brief. Back in July of 2011 I encountered a needle stick from my son's needle while going through his truck. He was, at that time, using Herion and sharing needles. I'm not sure how long the needle was in his truck but I would think at least 24 hours. It was summertime. The needle is a U100 needle that Diabetics use to inject insulin. The puncture was to the top of my fore finger and it drew a small amount of blood. I did not know at that time about pep or even if I was at risk. My son's HIV status is unknown at this time

Here's my timetable of testing:

July 25, 2011 - encountered needle stick

October 7, 2011 - First Negative Test Result Received - 3rd Gen Elissa

Dec 6, 2011 - Sinus infection and low b12 count - Cleared with B12 shots and antibiotics
Dec 7, 2011 - Second Negative test Result Received - 3rd Gen Elissa

Dec 22, 2011 - Another sinus problem - More antibiotics perscribed
Jan 16, 2011 - Another sinus problem - currently on antibiotics

Jan 20 - 3rd Negative test result received from 3rd Gen Elisa test

My questions are this and please be patient:

I've read on other forums that there has never been a confirmed HIV infection from a needle stick outside a medical facility. - Is this true?

Can I trust 3 negative 3rd Gen tests in a row. (I'm a healthy 50 year old male who has not been sick in the last 20 years) I've read about PCR/DNA and viral load tests. Should I take any of these?

My concern is not knowing my son's status and my wife also has a cold that will not go away. No fevers or sure throats, just persistent congestion, fatigue and headaches

Please help me ease the anxiety.

RapidRod · « **Reply #1 on:** January 24, 2012, 01:43:35 pm »

Quote from: Maggmc29 on January 24, 2012, 01:31:03 pm

I'll try to be brief. Back in July of 2011 I encountered a needle stick from my son's needle while going through his truck. He was, at that time, using Herion and sharing needles. I'm not sure how long the needle was in his truck but I would think at least 24 hours. It was summertime. The needle is a U100 needle that Diabetics use to inject insulin. The puncture was to the top of my fore finger and it drew a small amount of blood. I did not know at that time about pep or even if I was at risk. My son's HIV status is unknown at this time

Here's my timetable of testing:

July 25, 2011 - encountered needle stick

October 7, 2011 - First Negative Test Result Received - 3rd Gen Elissa

Dec 6, 2011 - Sinus infection and low b12 count - Cleared with B12 shots and antibiotics
Dec 7, 2011 - Second Negative test Result Received - 3rd Gen Elissa

Dec 22, 2011 - Another sinus problem - More antibiotics perscribed
Jan 16, 2011 - Another sinus problem - currently on antibiotics

Jan 20 - 3rd Negative test result received from 3rd Gen Elisa test

My questions are this and please be patient:

I've read on other forums that there has never been a confirmed HIV infection from a needle stick outside a medical facility. - Is this true?

Can I trust 3 negative 3rd Gen tests in a row. (I'm a healthy 50 year old male who has not been sick in the last 20 years) I've read about PCR/DNA and viral load tests. Should I take any of these?

My concern is not knowing my son's status and my wife also has a cold that will not go away. No fevers or sure throats, just persistent congestion, fatigue and headaches

Please help me ease the anxiety.

1. Yes it's true.
2. Yes, your test is conclusive. No you need no further testing PCR-DNA tests are not approved for diagnostic use.
3. Doesn't matter what his status is, you are conclusively negative.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #2 on:** January 24, 2012, 01:48:10 pm »

You have reliably and conclusively tested negative for HIV. You are worrying needlessly.

Let this concern about HIV go and get on with your life. Your symptoms have nothing to do with HIV. If they recur you should discuss them with your doctor.

This is NOT an HIV situation. Period.

Maggmc29 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 24, 2012, 01:48:42 pm »

Thank You so much for the quick reply. My son taking his test this week. Prayers needed!

Andy Velez · « **Reply #4 on:** January 24, 2012, 03:10:59 pm »

You're welcome.

And good luck to your son as well. It's always a smart idea to get tested when there is any doubt about HIV status.

Maggmc29 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2012, 12:58:31 pm »

Andy, two final questions. Has there ever been a confirmed HIV infection through a non-occupational needle stick such as mine. Others (on this forum and other forums) have stated that very fact to me but I cannot find that confirmation anywhere online nor can I find an incident of someone being infected, either. If my son's test come back positive will I need to continue testing out to a year? The reason I am so consumed is that I have had a cold for the last 3 weeks that doesn't get any better or any worse, really tired and headaches of and on. My wife has the same cold and I'm worried for her , as well. The last time I was actually sick was 1992! with your extensive background and research I thought I would ask.

Thanks for your patience!

RapidRod · « **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2012, 01:04:43 pm »

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/transmission.htm

Have people been infected with HIV from being stuck by needles in non-health care settings?
No. While it is possible to get infected with HIV if you are stuck with a needle that is contaminated with HIV, there are no documented cases of transmission outside of a health-care setting.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2012, 03:21:05 pm »

You have no basis in HIV science to be concerned. If you or your wife is not feeling well that is something you should be discussing with your doctor(s). We can't help you with that in this setting.

All we can tell you is that HIV is not your problem. Period. As far as that issue is concerned you need to get on with your life.

Maggmc29 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2012, 03:25:07 pm »

Thank you very much - God Bless this website and others like it.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2012, 03:48:16 pm »

You're welcome.

Maggmc29 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 27, 2012, 12:41:07 pm »

Andy, I wanted to let you know that my Son's HIV and HEP tests all came back negative this morning. He's extremely fortunate. He is now 3 months past the last time he used drugs. Hoefully, this was the lesson that will have him quit forever. Thanks for guiding my family through this ordeal.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #11 on:** January 27, 2012, 01:02:17 pm »

You're welcome. And that's great news! I'm happy for all concerned.

Cheers.

Maggmc29 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 27, 2012, 05:25:25 pm »

My Son stopped using herion and sharing needles over 3 months ago. Today, he received negative results for HIV and HEP. Should he re-test in 3 more months because of his drug use. Are today's test encouraging?

Andy Velez · « **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2012, 05:48:02 pm »

I've merged your threads. In the future please follow our rule and write only in this one thread.

3 months is sufficient for a reliable negative result unless there was prolonged intravenuous drug use and sharing of needles. In that case testing for a conclusive result at 6 months is suggested.

Maggmc29 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 05, 2012, 03:55:41 pm »

Moderators,

I just noticed on my test results paperwork that the test performed were not elisa testing (as previously stated) but 3rd gen ICMA testing. Labcorp stated the following:

"LabCorp uses the 3rd generation HIV test, which will detect HIV Type 1 ( HIV-1 groups M and O) and HIV Type 2 (HIV-2), both IgG and [/i] [/b] IgM antibodies are detected. All positive screens are confirmed by Western Blot"

Any difference between these two tests (Elisa vs ICMA) and are my negative 2.5, 4 and 6 month tests still conclusive?

RapidRod · « **Reply #15 on:** February 05, 2012, 04:16:18 pm »

Quote from: Maggmc29 on February 05, 2012, 03:55:41 pm

Moderators,

I just noticed on my test results paperwork that the test performed were not elisa testing (as previously stated) but 3rd gen ICMA testing. Labcorp stated the following:

"LabCorp uses the 3rd generation HIV test, which will detect HIV Type 1 ( HIV-1 groups M and O) and HIV Type 2 (HIV-2), both IgG and [/i] [/b] IgM antibodies are detected. All positive screens are confirmed by Western Blot"

Any difference between these two tests (Elisa vs ICMA) and are my negative 2.5, 4 and 6 month tests still conclusive?

■Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result, or no-risk situation will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #16 on:** February 05, 2012, 05:01:06 pm »

Your test results are reliable. You're HIV negative. Stop with this fussing and get on with your life.

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Author Topic: Needle Stick Injury (Read 7140 times)