POZ Community Forums

HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: maternewb on November 29, 2006, 11:14:26 am

Title: Need Some Reassurance
Post by: maternewb on November 29, 2006, 11:14:26 am
Hi everyone,

Let me start off my saying that I am very impressed by this forum and how supportive everyone is.

I recently had a scary experience, which in the end, I think was not a big deal, but I can't get over it, and need some additional reassurance.

I am an MA and work in a clinic. I was disposing of a 30 guage needle (used for injection into the skin - not a blood draw) with a gloved hand. As I was throwing it away, the sharps container caught and I felt something sharp against my finger. I immediately took off my glove and went to wash my hands. There was no blood, and no visible break in the skin on any of my fingers. Only a small blue spot, which my supervising physician assured me was not a problem. The patient was Hep C negative and had no HIV risk factors, so I was reassured. However, I find myself worrying about that blue spot and also about any small break that I may not have seen. I recently also had some scissors that stuck me (which were clean) and it didn't bleed, but later formed a small blood blister under the skin. I know this isn't a risk for HIV, but how if the needle stick did the same thing, and actually penetrated and I just didn't notice it?

Should I be worried about this? I have talked to other physicians since and they have told me the same thing. Should I get tested?

Also, if I do get tested at the 6 week point, can I do an HIV Rapid? How does everyone feel about the Western Blod (Antigen) test at 2 weeks to test for infection.

Deep down inside, I think I am fine, but these experiences are scary, and I just need some reassurance.
Title: Re: Need Some Reassurance
Post by: RapidRod on November 29, 2006, 11:17:01 am
You don't need to worry, or need a test.
Title: Re: Need Some Reassurance
Post by: maternewb on November 29, 2006, 11:20:41 am
Thanks. I know logically, if something had happened, it would have hurt for more than the second I felt the sharp, and also it would have bled. Right?

Logic doesn't always see us through. But hopefully through your responses I will feel better.  :)

Title: Re: Need Some Reassurance
Post by: maternewb on November 29, 2006, 11:35:49 am
Also, I forgot the mention that the needle had been sitting out for 3-5 minutes before I disposed of it. And it was non-bloody. This decreases the risk of infection if a true stick did occur, right?

Sorry, I promise, I won't turn into one of those who will keep denying your reassurance (once more than one person tells me I'm ok  :) )