Nah, this is not about the protection one wears during an intercourse. This has something to do about the recent needle stick injury I have sustained after giving an insulin dose to my patient.
Learning that things that I have to go through after reporting the incident, I begin to have regrets. I should have kept mum about it.
Hepatitis B blood panel is the type of blood test to determine hepatitis B. There are three tests that complete the panel to complete the diagnosis:
1. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) tests for the presence of virus. A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAg test result means that the person is infected with the hepatitis B virus, which can be an “acute” or a “chronic” infection. Infected people can pass the virus on to others through their blood and infected bodily fluids.
2. Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb or anti-HBs)- A “positive” or “reactive” HBsAb (or anti-HBs) test result indicates that a person has successfully responded to the hepatitis B vaccine or has recovered from an acute hepatitis B infection. This result means that you are immune to future hepatitis B infection and you are not contagious. This test is not routinely included in blood bank screenings.
3. What is the hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) is an antibody that is part of the virus- it does not provide protection. A “positive” or “reactive” HBcAb (or anti-HBc) test result indicates a past or present infection, but it could also be a false positive. The interpretation of this test result depends on the results of the other two tests. Its appearance with the protective surface antibody (positive HBsAb or anti-HBs) indicates prior infection and recovery. For chronically infected persons, it will usually appear with the virus (positive HBsAg)
Source hepb.org
Anyway as far as I can remember I was reactive to Anti-HBs with 56 level of titer. What worries me right now are the questioning I have to go through regarding the incident. Why do I feel that they are indifferent about me not taking extra precaution in handling needle sticks. The department head has questioned me saying that I should not be in that situation since the precaution is very basic and I am already 6 months in the ward. The supervisor on duty told me in an ironic manner to have my other nine fingers pricked also.
I have to face the wrath of my headnurse who already called in and voice out her frustration about the matter and I have to report to the Infection Control Office.
I should have kept it to myself.