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Risk of cross-infection
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An_246970 posted:
Hello,

I wasn't sure which community to post this question in- if I posted in the wrong place, please feel free to re-direct me. I visited the allergist last week, and when I was having my temperature taken, I accidentally did not use the protective sheath that was handed to me around the oral thermometer (I thought it was removable covering around a disposable thermometer). I didn't realize what had happened until later, and now I'm wondering if I have any risk of contracting an infection, or spreading an infection to anyone who may have used the thermometer after me.

I realize this is kind of a weird situation, so I really appreciate your insight!
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Risk of cross-infectionHello,<br /><br />I wasn't sure which community to post this question in- if I posted in the wrong place, please feel free to re-direct me. I visited the allergist last week, and when I was having my temperature taken, I accidentally did not use the protective sheath that was handed to me around the oral thermometer (I thought it was removable covering around a disposable thermometer). I didn't realize what had happened until later, and now I'm wondering if I have any risk of contracting an infection, or spreading an infection to anyone who may have used the thermometer after me.<br /><br />I realize this is kind of a weird situation, so I really appreciate your insight!
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Rod Moser, PA, PhD responded:
Sure, there is always a risk...IF the thermometer was contaminated by a disease-causing pathogen, AND if your own immune systems is unable to cope with it.

We are exposed to pathogens just about every minute....in the air, on surfaces, etc. Most of the time, we do not get sick, so statistically, you will be fine. Most viral illnesses from this type of exposure would have already reared its ugly head by now. Slower pathogens, like herpes simplex (fever blisters), can cause contamination, but not immediate evidence of disease.

Don't lose any sleep over this incident. I am sure that you have been inadvertently exposed to MANY germs in your life, and you didn't even know it.
Report This| Share this:Risk of cross-infectionSure, there is always a risk...IF the thermometer was contaminated by a disease-causing pathogen, AND if your own immune systems is unable to cope with it. <br /><br />We are exposed to pathogens just about every minute....in the air, on surfaces, etc. Most of the time, we do not get sick, so statistically, you will be fine. Most viral illnesses from this type of exposure would have already reared its ugly head by now. Slower pathogens, like herpes simplex (fever blisters), can cause contamination, but not immediate evidence of disease.<br /> <br />Don't lose any sleep over this incident. I am sure that you have been inadvertently exposed to MANY germs in your life, and you didn't even know it.
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MFM44 replied to Rod Moser, PA, PhD's response:
Thanks for your quick reply! I'm not too worried about myself, I have a healthy immune system, I guess I was just concerned about other patients at the doctor's office. If they properly used the protective probe cover, there wouldn't be any risk of infection for them, correct? Thanks for your help!!!
Report This| Share this:Risk of cross-infectionThanks for your quick reply! I'm not too worried about myself, I have a healthy immune system, I guess I was just concerned about other patients at the doctor's office. If they properly used the protective probe cover, there wouldn't be any risk of infection for them, correct? Thanks for your help!!!
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Rod Moser, PA, PhD replied to MFM44's response:
There is always a risk of infection. Just going into the doctor's office, sitting in the waiting room, etc. is a risk.

It is okay for you to inform them of the mistake. Hopefully, this will make them more careful next time by using the protective sheath.
Report This| Share this:Risk of cross-infectionThere is always a risk of infection. Just going into the doctor's office, sitting in the waiting room, etc. is a risk.<br /> <br />It is okay for you to inform them of the mistake. Hopefully, this will make them more careful next time by using the protective sheath.
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