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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Risks Associated With Washed But Unsterilised Suturing Set?

Hello...I was in a hurry not informed about my suturing set sterility( it was not sterile) and i sutured a patient s wound of about 10 cm with a suturing set used before without being sterilized and only washed ( very good washed) with water.Without any information about the viral markers profile of previously sutured patients by this set or other sets( where used sets are washed together). In summary i sutured a wound 10 cm length with a well washed but not sterilized suturing set. My question is that beside the probability of later wound infection is there a risk for HIV, HBsAg, HCV contamination of that person? ( the wound was perfectly cleansed and washed perfectly by betadine before suturing)
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
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Infectious Diseases Specialist 's  Response
Hello, Thnx to contact us. If I am your treating doctor I would like to advice you that before how much time you have sutured previous patient. If you have sutured the previous patient within 15 minutes there are chances to transfer HIV, HBsAg, HCV from previous patients to this patients. Also do not forget even though you have washed it and the viruses you have mentioned may be washed of with water but there are chances that Clostridium tetani may get involved in the wound which you have sutured. Clostridium tetani is convert into highly resistant spore form and not get washed with the water. If you have anything else to ask please contact me. Thanx. Dr. Arun Tank
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What Are The Risks Associated With Washed But Unsterilised Suturing Set?

Hello, Thnx to contact us. If I am your treating doctor I would like to advice you that before how much time you have sutured previous patient. If you have sutured the previous patient within 15 minutes there are chances to transfer HIV, HBsAg, HCV from previous patients to this patients. Also do not forget even though you have washed it and the viruses you have mentioned may be washed of with water but there are chances that Clostridium tetani may get involved in the wound which you have sutured. Clostridium tetani is convert into highly resistant spore form and not get washed with the water. If you have anything else to ask please contact me. Thanx. Dr. Arun Tank