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Can I Contract Hep C Through Needle Stick Injury?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Jun 2014
Question: I was caring for a patient with Hep C and administering insulin through a Novofine needle. When I unscrewed the needle to dispose of it in the sharps container, I poked myself with the inside of the needle (not the part that goes into the patient; rather, the part that goes into the insulin pen). I did not break the skin, but it left a small red mark. Should I be concerned about contracting Hep C?
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Answered by Dr. Hardik Thakker (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Be assured virtually nil chances

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Greetings from health care magic!!! I am Dr Thakker and shall be answering your question.

I can very well understand your concerns for needle stick injury and the dear of contracting Hep c.

The good news is that you poked the inside of the needle which goes into the insulin pen. This does not contain blood from the patient and there is virtually no chance of acquiring hep c.

However, if you want to be 100% foolproof, you can perform a Hep c RNA PCR quantitative to know if you have contracted the infection. The chances of this are virtually nil, but will give your mind a scientific evidence.

I hope this helps you out. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to write back to me.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Thakker.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Hardik Thakker

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 161 Questions

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Can I Contract Hep C Through Needle Stick Injury?

Brief Answer: Be assured virtually nil chances Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Greetings from health care magic!!! I am Dr Thakker and shall be answering your question. I can very well understand your concerns for needle stick injury and the dear of contracting Hep c. The good news is that you poked the inside of the needle which goes into the insulin pen. This does not contain blood from the patient and there is virtually no chance of acquiring hep c. However, if you want to be 100% foolproof, you can perform a Hep c RNA PCR quantitative to know if you have contracted the infection. The chances of this are virtually nil, but will give your mind a scientific evidence. I hope this helps you out. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to write back to me. Yours sincerely, Dr Thakker.