Nervous about very unlikely possible Hep C exposure

Question

I was on a commuter train with a broken restroom door and had to hold the door shut manually. When I was finished I noticed a small cut on my hand from a screw in the door panel. I know it's very unlikely, but I'm worried that if someone else cut their hand on the same screw, some trace amount of dried blood could have been on it when I cut my hand. Now I am all nervous despite how unlikely it is, and don't want to have to wait 9 weeks to take an antibody test... I am worried about Hep C because I know it can live in dried blood for a while. I am not worried about HIV because I know it is quickly inactivated upon contact with air. Am I at any risk at all?

This discussion is related to SGOT/SGPT values for HCV infection.

Optimator · Answer

Thanks, I probably just needed to hear from other people that I was being too obsessive. I have been tested before, yes, and will plan to be tested again in several weeks to know for sure, but I don't think it will keep me up nights. Thanks for the input.

Isobella · Answer

I agree....sometimes all you can do is obsess for the recommended time and then get tested.  

Sometimes seeing those negative results in writing will be the only thing that will stop this type of behavior. (obsessing, not touching screws by accident)

Have you been tested before, tho?  If not, then you may never know if you got it from that screw or maybe from something else.

Good luck.  

Isobella

copyman · Answer

Wow! talk about getting screwed  :-)

I'm sure no matter what anyone tells you here or even your doctor you will probably still obsess about this until getting tested.  Try and live your life normal until getting tested.  You have almost zero chance of transmission.  
best of luck

ladybug52 · Answer

I knew your response would be insightful and worth reading! Thanks for the laugh.

GoofyDad · Answer

I'd say your most likely gonna worry yourself to death. 

But I feel your pain. I had a similar experience on an overnight flight to Helsinki. I went to use the Loo and the door was jammed and wouldn't lock - so I didn't worry about it. Just as I'm finishing up my business, in squeezed the twins - the two buxom Swedes who were our stewardesses (or is that in flight assistants) for the flight. Well, they turned me every which way but loose in that little terlette room - and did things that make me shake and sweat to type this now.... OK so this didn't happen - but it's more likely than you catching something from that silly screw.