[Question #11974] Occupational exposure-needle stick injury.

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11 months ago
Dear doctors . Thank you for your help  
I have occupational exposure and again need you precious knowledge 
I was doing suture for one middle aged patient ( 12 hours ago) . There were like multiple glass peices inside the wound . While removal of the foreign body one small glass peice penetrate my finger . I felt pain , removed my glove . There was blood coming from my finger injury  . I got confused .
Asked him about his relationship: he replied that he has relation with his  girlfriend  and last time was one week ago .I was not able to ask more , I do not think it is allowed to ask about personal issues in details.
Blood work for him came negative 
Hiv ag/ab 
Hbs Ag 
Hcv antibody 
My question about hiv specific ?
What is the risk of getting hiv from such exposure ?
Should I seek PEP or no need ?
It is really difficult time for me .

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Edward W. Hook M.D.
11 months ago
Welcome back to the Forum.  I'll be glad to comment.

There is no risk for HIV or hepatitis C from the exposure you describe.  The middle aged man you were assisting sounds to be rather low risk and most importantly, his laboratory tests are negative.  Persons with negative tests do not transmit infection.  I see no need to pursue PEP

I hoe that this assessment is helpful.  EWH
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11 months ago
Clear enough
Thank you sir .
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
11 months ago
I'm glad I could be of assistance.  EWH---
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11 months ago
I know that it is allowed for me 2 replies .
So let me if possible ask some more question if possible 
1-he is about 27 years old , looks to have multiple relations . What about incubation period or window period , although his test negative , is not it possible he might be in window period especially last relationship was one week ago.
2- in general what is the risk for needle prick for occupational exposure .
Thank you for ur precious time and valuable information sir.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
11 months ago
Final responses:
I'm not sure what "looked to be" means- it sounds rather paranoid.  The so called "window" period is an internet exaggeration which had some small amount of relevance when testing was done with tests that detect antibodies only.  It is not an issue with 4th generation tests of the sort you describe.
2.  About 1% of persons who get stuck with hollow-point needles which have previously been used on persons with untreated HIV become infected.  

Please don't be paranoid.  You are not at risk.  EWH
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11 months ago
Thank you sir 
I really appreciate your kind help .