accucheck blood

[abby32886]

I was doing an accucheck on an older woman in my nursing home where I work as I do all the time. She does not have hiv diagnoses in her chart, gets routine blood work (not hiv related)... Somehow the strip with the blood on it got stuck on the her long finger nail (no clue how this happened) and flung blood onto my gloves (strips are flexable). There was maybe three small drops or flecks of blood on my glove. I didnt taste blood or feel blood on my glasses or face so I didnt feel a need to wash my face or mouth at the time. But now im thinking i should have... Is there any chance if her blood got in my mouth i would be at risk even from the small amount of blood? Would i have had to taste it? How much blood is generally needed? I did tell my supervisor who said dont worry about it. I do not have sores in my mouth. I am 8 months pregnant and will get an hiv rna test in 2 weeks if necessary. Thank you!!!!

[nursegirl6572]

You have no HIV concern.

The amount of blood on a glucometer strip is so minute, you cannot get infected with HIV by being exposed to a few drops of blood anywhere on your body (even in a cut).

You don't need testing.

[abby32886]

Thank you so much! Do u feel I should test incase?

[HowardH]

Your supervisor is correct. This is no risk event if the patient has HIV, which it seems she does not. If you didn't notice any blood contacting your mouth or eyes, you can safely assume it didn't happen, or with such a small amount there would be realistic risk of infection.

So don't worry about it. You can count on a negative test in 2 weeks.

Best wishes for a successful delivery and healthy baby!