Hi I Am A Lab Worker And I Wanted To

Posted on Tue, 4 Feb 2020

Question: Hi i am a lab worker and i wanted to ask if hiv survives in dried blood. I think a spek of dried blood might have gone in my eye as i was cleaning the centrifuge and the flakes were sitting at the bottom of the centrifuge inserts. I am worried and have lost my sleep. I always wear goggles to pritect my eyes but at that moment as the centrifuge was empty and i was not handling specimens i was not wearing them. Can a spek of dried blood cause hiv infection through the eyes?

Answered by Dr. AJEET SINGH (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
HIV INFECTION THROUGH DRIED BLOOD

Detailed Answer:
Hi....
Welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I am Dr Ajeet XXXXXXX

I have gone through your query and here is my opinion.

Blood is most effective of all the body fluids to transmit HIV as it has highest concentrations of the virus.
HIV virus is sensitive to air exposure but the studies have indicated that it may survive in dried blood for even a week.

As per my opinion,a speck of dried blood may cause HIV infection through conjunctiva fluid.
Even if you are unsure about the incidence,it is always better to "err on the safer side".
That would also ensure your peace of mind.
You should immediately see your clinician and take the prophylactic antivirals (if needed at all).

Please do continue safe practices at the work place to prevent such exposure.

Get the viral markers((HIV, HBSAg, HCV Tests) done periodically (preferably every year) as you are a lab worker and have continuous exposure to contaminated body fluids.

Hope that I have answered your query.
Stay healthy and stay blessed.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D