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Dear Doctor, I Was Working In The Lab And As
Question: Dear doctor,
I was working in the lab and as i was loading samples on the analyser i felt something in my eye. I was wearing my PPE including face goggles.
I did not drop any sample or saw any splash myself. I was just slowly and carefully loading them on the analyser without apllying any pressure when i felt something inside the corner of my left eye, a watery sensation.
I am worried in case a speck of serum entered somehow my eye and got infected. Would it be possible for a speck of blood to find a way to enter my eye maybe from the top even wearing goggles? I inspected the goggles and thery were clear of any serum. I cannot think how this could have happened.
I keep thinking of a possible hiv infection and im very worried. Could you advice me please?
Thank you
I was working in the lab and as i was loading samples on the analyser i felt something in my eye. I was wearing my PPE including face goggles.
I did not drop any sample or saw any splash myself. I was just slowly and carefully loading them on the analyser without apllying any pressure when i felt something inside the corner of my left eye, a watery sensation.
I am worried in case a speck of serum entered somehow my eye and got infected. Would it be possible for a speck of blood to find a way to enter my eye maybe from the top even wearing goggles? I inspected the goggles and thery were clear of any serum. I cannot think how this could have happened.
I keep thinking of a possible hiv infection and im very worried. Could you advice me please?
Thank you
Brief Answer:
I don't think there is any risk involved.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to Ask a Specialist Service.
As you were wearing the full PPE including face goggles the chances are very rare that serum would enter the eyes and the goggles were also clear of any serum so you need not to worry because I don't think you are at any risk. Calm down, forget the episode and live your life normally.
Thank You
I don't think there is any risk involved.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to Ask a Specialist Service.
As you were wearing the full PPE including face goggles the chances are very rare that serum would enter the eyes and the goggles were also clear of any serum so you need not to worry because I don't think you are at any risk. Calm down, forget the episode and live your life normally.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Dear doctor
Thank you for your advice. I will try to relax. It has been playing in my mind these days. I know i was wearing my PPE and this is the best i can do to protect myself. This is a subject that understandably stresses everyone out.
I just wanted to ask you in case a tiny speck found a way around the goggles and inside the eye is it true that it would require a substancial amount for hiv infection or could still cause infection? Sometimes i overthink of things and the more i think the more anxious i become. I suppose i should really feel reassured from the fact that i was wearing my PPE and there was no activity such as visible blood splash or any sample dropping in the floor.
Thank you
Thank you for your advice. I will try to relax. It has been playing in my mind these days. I know i was wearing my PPE and this is the best i can do to protect myself. This is a subject that understandably stresses everyone out.
I just wanted to ask you in case a tiny speck found a way around the goggles and inside the eye is it true that it would require a substancial amount for hiv infection or could still cause infection? Sometimes i overthink of things and the more i think the more anxious i become. I suppose i should really feel reassured from the fact that i was wearing my PPE and there was no activity such as visible blood splash or any sample dropping in the floor.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
The transmission through eye or conjunctiva is extremely unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for the follow-up.
As such the risk is negligible in your exposure but still if you are anxious about the disease then first you have to confirm the status of the sample whether it is positive or not.
Even though the sample is positive then also the chances of transmission through eye or conjunctive are extremely rare...So don't panic unnecessarily and allay the fear.
Avoid thinking too much about HIV because you are not at risk as per my opinion.
If still you are anxious enough the best way to relieve your anxiety is to get tested with the 4th generation HIV Duos test and the negative result will give you extreme mental satisfaction.
If still any query is there feel free to ask me again at any time.
Thank You
The transmission through eye or conjunctiva is extremely unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for the follow-up.
As such the risk is negligible in your exposure but still if you are anxious about the disease then first you have to confirm the status of the sample whether it is positive or not.
Even though the sample is positive then also the chances of transmission through eye or conjunctive are extremely rare...So don't panic unnecessarily and allay the fear.
Avoid thinking too much about HIV because you are not at risk as per my opinion.
If still you are anxious enough the best way to relieve your anxiety is to get tested with the 4th generation HIV Duos test and the negative result will give you extreme mental satisfaction.
If still any query is there feel free to ask me again at any time.
Thank You
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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