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Can Hepatitis Be Contracted Through A Pre-used Needle?
Hi. I was accidentally stuck with a hypodermic needle that I believe was used by a IV drug user (by the evidence around the needle/) I believe the needle may have been there at least 6 weeks - due to the time frame I which we ve owned the house. My concern is contracting Hepatitis C... 1. Should I be concerned? 2. How soon have exposure can a blood test detect the presence of the virus? 3. Are there any other things I should be concerned about?
posted on
Thu, 28 May 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 27 Jan 2021
Answered on
Fri, 29 Jan 2021
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Hepatitis B infection can be transmitted by needle prick injury. Firstly hepatitis B test needs to be done for the user of the needle. In case, this is not possible then you need get hepatitis B antigen test and hepatitis B antibody titre. In case the titre is low, vaccination has to be done.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Shailja Puri, Pathologist and Microbiologist
Hepatitis B infection can be transmitted by needle prick injury. Firstly hepatitis B test needs to be done for the user of the needle. In case, this is not possible then you need get hepatitis B antigen test and hepatitis B antibody titre. In case the titre is low, vaccination has to be done.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Shailja Puri, Pathologist and Microbiologist
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