Poked self with infected dental burr of HCV positive patient

Resolved question:
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

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Infectious Disease Specialist

Expert: Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy replied 4 Days.

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

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Poked self with infected dental burr of HCV positive patient

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