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hiv transmission in laboratory

Dear experts:

I am a technician in anatomical pathology lab. Two episodes occurred recently and I am quite afraid:
1. I accidentally touched the box  in which remaining specimens are stored by right hand . Then I rubbed my eyes and left hand right after coming out of the lab. Also, there was some eczema with blood-like dots on the left hand. I did not feel apparent fluid on my right hand and the box.  However, there was actually sometimes some body fluid spilled onto the box when we process the specimens.  Is there risk of transmission through eyes or eczematous wounds?
2. When I put off my mask after processing the specimens, the outer side of the mask contact my lip and lower eyelids. Is there possible virus on the mask and transmisison through lip and eyelids?

Thank you very very much.    
    
4 Responses
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370181 tn?1595629445
Exposure to air renders the virus inactive, but ALWAYS wear full protective clothing regardless of what other's in the lab do. Safety for yourself should come first and it's far better to be safe than sorry.
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Avatar universal
Excuse me, experts. Do you mean there is no possible virus (HIV, HCV) transimssion through the protection clothing, goggles, masks, booties, hair caps, ... because of exposure to air ?  
Helpful - 0
370181 tn?1595629445
Working in an anatomical pathology lab, there should be extreme safety protocols in place for employees and as a tech, you should be fully aware of them and follow them religiously. You mentioned taking off your mask but said nothing about your gloves. Please tell me you wear gloves

You had NO RISK for HIV.

I strongly recommend you discuss safety issues with your employer.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
  Both events occurred when I was to come out of the lab after completion of work.  Hence the glove was already taken off. My senior colleagues, including my employer,  are never worried. Actually,  they touched that kind of (potentially contaminated) environment without wearing gloves more often than not. I cannot take it easy just like they do, so I went here for the right answer.  
Avatar universal
HIV is rendered in active when exposed to air. Thus you cannot have HIV. Did you discuss this with your employer?
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I did. The employer did not take it seriously because both kind of events sometimes occurred. I come to work here just recently so I think it is worrisome.    
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