Did I contract HIV

[unsilentmajority]

Hi, I recently took my 3 month rapid test and was given a negative result, thank god! The very next day I was at work and cleaning out the sanitary bin. It was Thanksgiving and the building I was working in was only open for a few hours so like a fool I assumed nobody had been in there. I was not wearing the normal latex gloves I do and pulled out a used tampon that had probably been there for hours. A speck of blood touched my intact skin on my finger which I immediately cleaned thoroughly. As an admitted ignoramus when it comes to HIV transmission could someone tell me if there was any chance of infection? Thank you for your time.

[unsilentmajority]

Just so I am sure on this type of transmission, it would have to be blood from a host going directly into a large and open bleeding wound for any chance of transmission.

[Teak]

If you believe you have been exposed to HIV and want help to judge your risk, would like advice about HIV testing, or have questions about the effectiveness of condoms or risks associated with specific sexual practices, this is the site for you.

[unsilentmajority]

Thank you very much for the information and I am going to spend some time educating myself on this very important issue. Do you mind if I ask questions from time to time? I really like this site and find it very educational. Thank you again for your time and patience.

[Genesisi]

No, no reason to test.  Transmission cannot occur under these circumstances, and as Teak pointed out - HIV is unable to reproduce outside of it's host - Therefore, you have no risk.

Best Wishes

[unsilentmajority]

Thank you very much and there is absolutely no reason for testing, correct?

[Teak]

HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions; therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.