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Paramedic Needle Stick

I am a paramedic who was starting an IV. I missed the vein and never got a flash in the needle. As I was removing it the needle slipped and I felt the sharpness of the needle. It didnt feel like a full prick maybe the just the very tip of the 20ga needle. I didnt draw any blood and had no blood in my glove. The patient was not tested but his labs came back and were normal. Normal WBC and liver enzymes. Ive been a wreck since the incident and just want to know my risks. Alot of people have told me not to worry cause it improbable to get HIV through such as small exposure. Im just very worried. Teak, Lizzy any imput?
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Avatar universal
Thank you sir. I really do appreciate it
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For HIV to take place you need to inject yourself with tainted blood into your blood stream as in a vein and or artery.
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Your absolutely right should have rephrased it. I just read that you stated blood needs to enter a vein so a fingertip capillary wouldnt suffice for transmission. I guess my question should have been how dangerous is the minor capillary bleeding after removing the IV.
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Avatar universal
You stated that you were a paramedic, now do you really need me to answer that? I know you took a blood-borne pathogen lesson in your paramedic's class.
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And just one more question Teak not be annoying I appologize. If there was a stick that actually punctured the skin minutely, without a flash that would mean no blood in the hollow bore correct?
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Thank you I just started doubting everything and worrying for nothing. Thank you for all the help you give everyone Teak. Its appreciated. I can relax now!!!
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Avatar universal
You never had an exposure.
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