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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Tetanus Injection Required In Case Of Injury Due To Rusty Tool?

Today i accidently stabbed my thumb with a rusty tool. i was wondering how long is safe to leave it before getting a tetnus or medical attention, its not bleeding but its throbbing and painful. i did it about 9 hours ago but its late at night now and i dont want to go to A&E is it likely to be ok to wait another 10 hours before getting it looked at.
Wed, 1 Apr 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
I understand your concern.
You have not mentioned the extent of injury, i.e. how deep is the stabbing? what caused it? a thin nail or a thick one?
In this kind of injury, you do require a shot of tetanus and local dressing with anti-septic solution. If the injury is more extensive, you would also require anti-tetanus immunoglobuline along with tetanus injection.
But I assume your injury is not severe and it won't be a problem to wait for 10 hours or so, you should get medical attention as soon as possible.
Hope this will be helpful.
Thanks for using HCM.
Take care.
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Is Tetanus Injection Required In Case Of Injury Due To Rusty Tool?

Hello, Welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. You have not mentioned the extent of injury, i.e. how deep is the stabbing? what caused it? a thin nail or a thick one? In this kind of injury, you do require a shot of tetanus and local dressing with anti-septic solution. If the injury is more extensive, you would also require anti-tetanus immunoglobuline along with tetanus injection. But I assume your injury is not severe and it won t be a problem to wait for 10 hours or so, you should get medical attention as soon as possible. Hope this will be helpful. Thanks for using HCM. Take care.