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HIV positive blood exposure transmission
A coworker asked me to start an IV for her the patient was very nervous, so I wanted to make sure I got the IV on the first try. I pulled the tip of my glove off my index finger. After advancing the catheter some of his blood was leaking out and I went to connect the extension tubing and the blood got on my finger tip and finger nail. My coworker did not tell me of his HIV status prior to me starting the IV for her, which I am pretty upset about because I never would have pulled the tip of my glove off had I known he was HIV positive. I do not have any cuts on the area that was exposed to the blood and I washed my hands immediately after. I am currently breastfeeding my 4 month old daughter and I am just paranoid about it. Do you think there is any risk of transmission from this exposure?
This carried no significant risk of HIV. Still, you should discuss this incident with your supervisor or the hospital/clinic infection control personnel. You can expect them to reassure you, but also to remind you that gloving for such procedures should be universal, regardless of whether the patient is known to have HIV or other blood borne infection.
You didn't have a risk. HIV cannot be transmitted through intact skin, or exposure of blood to small skin openings (abrasions, scratches, etc). You don't have a concern.
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