did I catch hepatitis C from my patient?

[airwolfrocks999]

Last week, I was in the middle of suturing up a medically-compromised IV-drug user

He was infected with Hepatitis C, had AST/ALT levels almost 2-3x as high as the normals values, was on meds for HCV ( can't remember which; but I think it was interferon and ribo ), and was at risk of poor clotting based on his blood lab values. His viral load for HCV was not tested at the time but, if anything, I'm assuming his load was high based on what I described above.

I was suturing a moderately-deep wound. The wound was bleeding heavily at the time.

Being in a rush and somewhat drowsy, I used my fingers to move the suturing needle from one side of the wound to another. I felt the sharp-endpoint of the needle right on my index finger each time I did it

( don't ask why. it was pretty stupid but we all make mistakes once in a while )

Is this occupational exposure? Should I be worried that I contracted HCV? What should I do?

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[JayneCobb]

Is this occupational exposure? Should I be worried that I contracted HCV? What should I do?

If you have a question about being exposed, then you should have already reported it through whatever channels your hospital has in place for these incidents.

Here are the current CDC guidelines on post exposure prophylaxis

And your risk from contracting from a needle stick per the CDC

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]What is the risk for HCV infection from a needle-stick exposure to HCV contaminated blood?

.[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica] After needle stick or sharps exposure to HCV positive blood , about 2 (1.8%) healthcare workers out of 100 will get infected with HCV (range 0%-10%)..
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[airwolfrocks999]

it wasn't a needlestick.

It was a suturing needle. I didn't puncture through my gloves and I didn't bleed. I didn't think it would qualify as a percutaneous injury so I didn't report it.

but I just wanted to know if I should be concerned, since I do remember holding the suturing needle by its tips.

 

[JayneCobb]

You're question has been answered to the extent the TOS will allow. As you are basically soliciting medical advice, I'm closing the thread now.