Assessing Hepatitis B and C Risks for Dental Assistants: Key Insights
Dental assistant needle stick At the end of May 2024, the patient reported a history of hepatitis B or C but is unsure of the stage. The health check report from July 2022 showed positive Anti-HBs and negative HBs Ag. What is the likelihood of hepatitis B infection? Is it necessa...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If HBsAb is positive and the titer is sufficiently high (>100 IU), there should be no concern about hepatitis B infection. 2. As a healthcare worker who has experienced a needlestick injury, you can seek consultation and follow-up testing at any medical facility, which wi...[Read More] Assessing Hepatitis B and C Risks for Dental Assistants: Key Insights
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Stung by a thorn? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred while I was working in the operating room. That day, a very small suture needle was left on the table, and while collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed on the needle. I was wearing glo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine the likelihood of infection based on your description. In clinical practice, if there is any suspicion of a needlestick injury similar to your situation, we typically follow the needlestick protocol to assess the risk of infection. Thank...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines
Needle-associated bloodborne infection A few days ago, I was worried about accidentally getting pricked by a needle during a blood draw. If I were to get pricked, how long should I follow up for blood tests? For example, is the window period for HIV antibody testing three months ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally, follow-up is done every three months unless there are special circumstances, such as ongoing concerns about infection or other sources of infection, which may extend the follow-up period. 2. It is recommended to use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV if ...[Read More] Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines
Understanding Needle Stick Risks and HIV Infection: Key Insights
Suspected infection The risk of needlestick injury occurs when a used needle is immediately inserted into another person. If a person is accidentally pricked with a used needle and it causes bleeding, does the risk decrease if it is not immediate? Can viruses survive on the needl...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! The primary concern regarding needle stick injuries is the potential survival of viruses on the needle, which could infect the person being punctured. The duration that a virus can survive outside the human body depends on the surrounding environment, but there is definite...[Read More] Understanding Needle Stick Risks and HIV Infection: Key Insights
Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Please inquire about the HIV window period issue? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. In the context of having hepatitis C, if I have been exposed to a potential risk of HIV infection due to three factors: needlestick injury, skin break with blee...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether there is a premise of hepatitis C, the response is as follows: I. Referencing the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx? (1) Hepatitis C occurs globally. In th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure