Question: I am a medical student, I was closing a wound on a patients back using subcuticular stiches with a 3-0 tapered suture needle. While handling the needle I pricked my finger. I was double gloved. Initially, I did not think I had broken skin as i could not see any blood on my glove or a hole. 5 minutes later when the case was over i noticed a little bit of blood on my indicator under glove. I do not believe there was any visible blood on the suture point but it is difficult to recall. I proceeded to wash my hands. there was a very small red dot from the prick but it was still rather superficial The patient tested positive for hepatitis c with a high viral load of 920,000, he was hiv negative. I have an appointment to follow up with my school physician next week. It has been 15 days since the incident. My first appointment is 3 weeks from the incident date. I am wondering how high my risk is? I would like to do PCR testing. Is waiting until 3-4 weeks too late for PCR? If i am fortunate enough to have a negative pcr should that be relatively reassuring? I know I would need follow up testing but the wait is very unnerving. I appreciate any help you may have to offer