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Is Infection Possible Through Contact With An Infected Device?
Question: Hello,
My patient is a diabetic and I poked mysef with a used lancet.. I was removing the old lancet to put in a new one and I poked my finger, I wiped it with a alcohol wipe then washed my hand with soap and water. Do you think I could get infected?
My patient is a diabetic and I poked mysef with a used lancet.. I was removing the old lancet to put in a new one and I poked my finger, I wiped it with a alcohol wipe then washed my hand with soap and water. Do you think I could get infected?
Brief Answer:
it is possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I'm afraid it is possible. If you know the patient's history (or the patient is not reluctant to disclose the details to you) then you can get a more clear picture of the risk to contract a pathogen. Please note that the risk is lower when you wear gloves and you wash the site meticulously after the incident.
The risk to contract HIV or viral hepatitis depends a lot on the other person's status. A patient with active hepatitis may transmit it easier than a chronic carrier of hepatitis. The same applies for HIV and the rest of the pathogens. Even if the patient has an active infection, the risk is not very high particularly for a minor injury like the one that can be caused by such a small needle.
I hope I've helped!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
it is possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I'm afraid it is possible. If you know the patient's history (or the patient is not reluctant to disclose the details to you) then you can get a more clear picture of the risk to contract a pathogen. Please note that the risk is lower when you wear gloves and you wash the site meticulously after the incident.
The risk to contract HIV or viral hepatitis depends a lot on the other person's status. A patient with active hepatitis may transmit it easier than a chronic carrier of hepatitis. The same applies for HIV and the rest of the pathogens. Even if the patient has an active infection, the risk is not very high particularly for a minor injury like the one that can be caused by such a small needle.
I hope I've helped!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The patient doesnt have any active infections. And I have had all my vaccinations, including a tenant shot about 4 years ago. Will that help lower my risk?
Brief Answer:
it does help
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the information. If you've done all vaccinations (including hepatitis B vaccination) then you're in less risk. The tetanus shot is more than enough because the injury site was clean. There is no need to repeat it.
The most dangerous infections like hepatitis C and HIV are not covered by vaccines though. Despite that the risk is still low to contract any of them.
Kind Regards!
it does help
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the information. If you've done all vaccinations (including hepatitis B vaccination) then you're in less risk. The tetanus shot is more than enough because the injury site was clean. There is no need to repeat it.
The most dangerous infections like hepatitis C and HIV are not covered by vaccines though. Despite that the risk is still low to contract any of them.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank u so much for your help. Have a blessed day!
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Glad to help! Always remember to notify the infectious diseases specialist of the hospital, right after every similar incident!
Kind Regards!
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
Glad to help! Always remember to notify the infectious diseases specialist of the hospital, right after every similar incident!
Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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