medical student, risk? Feedback appreciated.

[ledzepp880]

Hello, Found website to post to doctor and ask question as something happened today which I am not sure if it put me at risk for bloodborne pathogen transmission, saw a lot of intelligent posters in here and wondered if I could get a little feedback while I wait for response in the paid doctor forum.
Appreciate any feedback, thanks.

I am a medical student, working in a city hospital, had something happen today which I would like to know if I am at risk for after much debate.A few friends and I were practicing exam techniques on each other (specifically neuro exams).Someone had a reflex hammer (essentially same model as seen here – not sure if you’re familiar w/model/type, here it is though (below) has a brush/stainless steel “blunted pin” to test touch/sensation.The problem I have is one of the students used the small “pin” shaped tool which comes in the reflex hammer when trying to test sensation on hand/foot.Now the “pin” comes w/the reflex hammer (as you can see), is NOT a hollow IV needle but a short, semi-rounded-tip, stainless steel rod.The “point” at the end/entire device (which screws into the hammer) is very similar to the piece you attach to the end of a bicycle pump to pump up a basketball (definitely not as sharp as a needle tip, but maybe a little more “pointy” than a pen, NOT hollow at all/solid steel).Now as we were examaining each other, my friend realized/informed me that he had examined a patient earlier who was hiv/hep positive and did not clean it off with any alcohol/wipes (just screwed it back into hammer).I checked for any cuts, washed, did not find any.We began to debate as to whether or not I was at any real risk.No visible blood on “pin”, no visible cut on me, but he was “sliding” the hammer-pin along my skin to elicit neurological signs.Do I need to consider a) PEP b) hiv/hep testing?I have a fiancé (both have no risk factors c) isn’t the purpose of this pointed tool in the reflex hammer to ensure no skin trauma/blood transfer (as in using syringe),therefore would be fine/nothing to worry about, d)forget about it or get pep/tested?If you could give me an accurate read, been really nervous ever since.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=neurological+hammer+bucks&cid=16083352066095784564&ei=QC6hTNiaGoTM2wST2MDHAw&sa=image&ved=0CAgQ8gIwADgA#p

Thanks.

[ledzepp880]

Gotcha, thank you very much for your time and help. Appreciate the feedback and advice. Take care.

[Vance2335]

Because I am sure hospital would want to know that a student was probably not following procedure. so they can address the issue with either the student or in it's policies.

[ledzepp880]

Gotcha, thanks for feedback. Spoke to a few other sources, also echoed the "no-risk" response...just curious why go to H.R. Dept. If it was not a risk/i don't need testing or prophylaxis? Just for statistical information?

[Teak]

You never had an exposure and don't need testing.

[Vance2335]

It is not a risk as you have been told. Contact the HR department at the hospital and tell them of the incident.

[ledzepp880]

Any idea?

[ledzepp880]

Thanks for your response to the question...should I be getting tested in given time intervals and discontiue sexual contact with my fiance? We are both in a mono, exclusive relationship and this would be the only real risk...should I be holding off on "that" or is this truly a non-existent risk on your opinion(s).

Thanks again.

[kumar007]

no you dont have to consider pep as you cant get hiv by the pin from your knee hammer..dont worry
you have had no risk as the method of transmission you are suggestion just cant happen..