occupational needle stick exposure - HIV Prevention Message Board

mpm128 · 04-24-2008, 07:54 PM

My husband, a police officer, pricked his finger on a needle last week while arresting a suspect. The man reports that he was tested 2 weeks prior and tests were negative for HIV and Hepatitis. Following the *****, my husband went to the ER and began post exposure medications and was tested for the above. The suspect was tested and we are waiting for results. From what I have read, it says that he should continue these meds for 30 days and get follow up tests at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12. His primary care physician says that if the suspect's tests are negative then he can discontinue the medications and he iis negative. Is this true? Can anyone give me some advice or info to provide me with a little piece of mind and some correct information? Thanks very much

smiteler · 04-26-2008, 10:41 AM

after 30 days from exposure the tests are considered conclusive,no need to keep testing after that period.all of those follow ups are over reaction.
they can find it in as little as 3 weeks.
if the suspect tests neg then there is no chance of exposure,someone needs to have it first before it can be passed on.so that part is true.

Lonely810810 · 05-23-2008, 03:21 PM

this same thing happened to my husband.He got stuck on his hand with a herion users needle.He was trying to help her while she was od and got stuck.I rushed him to the hospital and they tested her and said he is at the lowest risk possible.I didn't believe him but the doctor confirmed it.I had tested negative around 3 months after exposure.Besides when they tested her it all came back negative.But it bothered me too.Good luck!