Are There Chances Of Contracting Hepatitis After Poking A Bruise On The Shin Bone With A Sewing Needle?

Posted on Fri, 25 May 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 May 2018 Answered on

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : hi doc

I had a bruise on my shin bone which has now gone. I am of XXXXXXX origin and i used a sewing needle to poke to bruise as i thought this was let the blood out.

Worries for me personally are what if i got hepatitis? Im 100 per cent sure the needle was fine and theres no 1 in my family with this problem. Can you give me some reassurance.

Stupid thing to do.. but how would hepatitis be transmitted?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
there are least chances by this way to transmit hepatitis in your case.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I have read your query thoroughly.

* There are 5 types of Hepatitis ( A, B, C, D, E ) with different modes of transmission

* Common modes of transmission include blood, semen, body fluids, sharing of
infected needles, syringes, feces of infected person, baby birth from infected
mother for various type.

* As per your case, there was self poking of swelling with sewing needle ; there
are least chances of hepatitis transmission.

Still I would like to get further details for answering your query completely.

1. What was the approximate depth of needle insertion in swelling.
2. Are you sure the needle was not used by anyone else.

Awaiting for your response.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (33 minutes later)

Hi
It was a sewing needle used for stitching and to confirm no one in my family has Hepatitis. Why would it have been used by someone else?

The stabbing of the needle was minimal as you can imagine it was painful maybe only 0.3 to 0.4cm maybe less.

So for example the only way i would get Hepatitis is if the needle had been in contact with a infected person?

And to confirm with a normal new needle which hasnt been inserted everywhere there is no chance of hepatitis?

I have ordered a test to check with a urine sample. Im just worried doctor! And am having some anxiety issues!

My brother uses needles all times to take out splints or pop football injuries! His nothing like me as he dont care.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for the details XXXXXXX

* The depth of procedure was very minimal, not to invade deeper vessels ; so you
are not at risk of hepatitis.
* For you to get infected, there must be hepatitis surface antigens present on the
needle by infected person contact.
* A normal new needle which has not been inserted anywhere, there is no chances
of Hepatitis.

Hope to make it more clear.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (21 minutes later)

Thanku and just to confirm even it is a old needle which didn't have hep on it this wouldnt cause it?

Also i do remember just a lil of blood on the shin when i poked it once again question is even with a deep insertion with a needle sewing there would be no problems?

Thats all thank sir

Also am i right in saying that.. if the needle was even infected.. the virus would have died no?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi

* Even if deep insertion of needle is there, but the needle is not infected with virus
then there is no problem.

* The hepatitis virus can remain alive outside the body for a period of 5-7 days.

Thanks.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj