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Poked self with infected dental burr of HCV positive patient

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Hello. Well I am super worried because I poked myself with an infected dental bur of a patient that is HCV positive. It did not punch all the way through as to cause bleeding, but a little reddish spot formed. What are the possibilities of becoming infected??? Please help. I'm paranoid. I want to get tested anyway just in case.
Thanks

Category: Infectious Disease Specialist

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Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
 27 Doctors Online

Hello, 

 

Theoretically your risk is less than 2%. However since there was penetration, it might be less. You need not get tested immediately as the results might not be conclusive. Wash and gargle thoroughly with water. If it is possible get a HCV antibody test, and if positive, HCV RNA levels and HIV status of the source patient done. (not yours) . This is not very important since the sources in know positive. 

 

You will need a HCV RNA and/or antibody test and Liver function test in 3-4 weeks. If that is found negative you will have to repeat at certain intervals. I recommend you to get in touch with a ID expert or Medical Gastroenterologist. No urgent treatment is requires, but it is better to get a consultation as soon as possible. 

 

Now do not get paranoid. That's the last thing you would want to do.  Even if in the unlikely scenario you got infected, it could be treated with very high success rate, without complications. This will require a steady head. So please stay calm and get in touch with your Doctor. 

 

Hope this helps

Please feel free to ask followup questions via this email itself.

Thank you


Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
Category: HIV- AIDS Specialist
Experience: 
MBBS from Sri Ramachandra University in December 2011
M.Med (Family Medicine) - TNMGR University, Chennai
MBA-MPH in Public Health in March 2016, SRM University
Finished AFIH in March 2016, SRM University
MRCP ( UK ), Internal Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, June 2016
Fellowship in Diabetology from Martin Luther University in January 2017

Currently Resident Physician, in MD Radiodiagnosis - Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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