
Can HIV Be Transmitted From A Cotton Ball With Fresh Blood On It To Another Person's Wound ?

Question: Can HIV be transmitted from a cotton ball with fresh blood on it to another person's wound after blood drawn from a vein when that wound covers it from the cotton ball
Brief Answer:
HIV transmission risk through a blood stained cotton swab is negligible.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
HIV is not viable outside the body fluids not more than few seconds. It could remain viable in the blood stain of an infected individual till it gets dried completely. Once dried, then HIV can not survive. HIV transmission through the stained cotton piece on another needle stick injury is quiet unlikely.
Dr S. Murugan
HIV transmission risk through a blood stained cotton swab is negligible.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
HIV is not viable outside the body fluids not more than few seconds. It could remain viable in the blood stain of an infected individual till it gets dried completely. Once dried, then HIV can not survive. HIV transmission through the stained cotton piece on another needle stick injury is quiet unlikely.
Dr S. Murugan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana

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