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What Are The Risks Of Needle Stick Injury?

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Posted on Wed, 5 Nov 2014
Question: Hi
I help out my neighbor give ivy to her cat
I was trying to take off the cap and it was stuck finally it came of but a stuck my thumb.
She told it was a new needle every time
She ivys the cat. But she not the most trustworthy person and may even use drugs herself.
I don't use drugs myself and don't sleep around.
What's are my risk.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
risk with needle stick injury

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Your chances of contracting HIV, HCV are low . usually with cotaminated needle stick injury the risk of acquiring HIV is less than 1%, that of HCV is 1-2% and that of HBV is upto 30%. However if its a brand new injection then there is no risk. Even if she had used it on herself, its not a contaminated syringe if she doesnt have HIV, HCV or HBV. If you are sure its contaminated with HIV then you need antiviral prophylaxis. If you are sure its contaminated with HBV,then you need HBV vaccine and Hepatitus B Ig. There is no post exposure prophylaxis of HCV. One thing you must do if you are unsure of anything, that if you have completed Hep B series, get a booster .If not get a Hep B vaccine series done. Thank you
Dr. Khan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (4 hours later)
Hi
How soon should I get the treatment you recommended me
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
time duration

Detailed Answer:
Well it depends on what was the needle contaminated with. If you are sure it was contaminated with Hep B, and you didn't get a hep b series before in that case you need Hep B Ig which is expensive within 24 hours preferably and after 7 days it has no use at all. hep B vaccine should b given
If you are unsure it was hep b, then if you had received hep b vaccination series, then you only need a booster , no Ig
If you are unsure it was hep B, if you havent had vaccination ever then you need hep B vaccine series as soon as possible, however there is no time limit. No Ig required.
If you are sure or somewhat sure that the needle stick injury was contaminated with HIV, you need HIV post exposure antiviral prophylaxis with in 72 hours.
Thank you
Dr. Khan
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Are The Risks Of Needle Stick Injury?

Brief Answer: risk with needle stick injury Detailed Answer: Hi, Your chances of contracting HIV, HCV are low . usually with cotaminated needle stick injury the risk of acquiring HIV is less than 1%, that of HCV is 1-2% and that of HBV is upto 30%. However if its a brand new injection then there is no risk. Even if she had used it on herself, its not a contaminated syringe if she doesnt have HIV, HCV or HBV. If you are sure its contaminated with HIV then you need antiviral prophylaxis. If you are sure its contaminated with HBV,then you need HBV vaccine and Hepatitus B Ig. There is no post exposure prophylaxis of HCV. One thing you must do if you are unsure of anything, that if you have completed Hep B series, get a booster .If not get a Hep B vaccine series done. Thank you Dr. Khan