How Can I Protect Myself?
An informed public can instigate change and protect themselves. When you have blood drawn, please insist the staff wear gloves. If they refuse, then walk away and come back another day; your life and health may well depend on it.
Am I concerned about the technicians?
Yes, the risk following an accidental needle stick is 20 to 40 times greater with HCV than with HIV. According to American Hospital Publishing Inc., HCV has been proven to permeate 1/3 of all brands of hospital latex gloves - even without holes if the glove has been wet for 15 minutes. This shows how aggressive this virus can be in infecting people.Am I concerned about the patient?
Yes, because doctors with HCV have infected patients with the virus. One doctor infected 13% of his patients with Hepatitis B and another infected 222 patients with HCV. However, latex gloves do afford some protection and double gloves add even more.Am I concerned about the patients that follow me in the blood collection room?
Yes, without safeguards, my HCV contaminated blood can be carried to the people following me. Please protect yourself, the technician and other patients by insisting the technician wear a pair of latex gloves before drawing your blood.
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