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Is HIV Infection Possible Through Accidental Contact With Leaking IV?
Question: Hello. I am a new health care worker. Last night while changing a patient I pulled back her bedsheet and her IV was leaking. It got all over my hand (literally my fingertips left a blood trail to the bathroom). I immediately washed with soap and water. I inspected my hands thoroughly, no open cuts noticed, just dry, cracked cuticles. Any risk that I could have HIV?
Brief Answer:
Very very Very minimal!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
The risk of a possible HIV infection from this is very minimal. With thorough washing shortly after the spill, there was nothing better than that to have done. I know we are all always concerned about this but the risk of possible contamination is very rare. In the absence of any openings on the skin, be calm and very relaxed about this.
You are good. What type of patients do you work with? I will also suggest that you notify your manager about this just to keep them informed and if there are any specific guidelines for the institution, let them be implemented.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information an clarifications if need be.
Very very Very minimal!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
The risk of a possible HIV infection from this is very minimal. With thorough washing shortly after the spill, there was nothing better than that to have done. I know we are all always concerned about this but the risk of possible contamination is very rare. In the absence of any openings on the skin, be calm and very relaxed about this.
You are good. What type of patients do you work with? I will also suggest that you notify your manager about this just to keep them informed and if there are any specific guidelines for the institution, let them be implemented.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information an clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Ok. Thank you. I am a new RN. I realize my risk was very, very small, but I needed to hear it from someone else. I wouldn't even say my cuticles are cracked. I work on a med surg floor. I did review her chart nothing popped up that was alarming. The kicker is: last night was my last night at that hospital. I quit for something closer to home. So you think I wouldn't need PEP or an HIV test?
Brief Answer:
PEEP is a NO, HIV test is not a bad idea!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
PEEP is a straight no. There is no reason for this even if the patent were HIV positive.
HIV test would help you clear your mind of any doubts but pretty sure this event would be an unlikely source for you to have contracted HIV from.
I wish you well.
PEEP is a NO, HIV test is not a bad idea!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
PEEP is a straight no. There is no reason for this even if the patent were HIV positive.
HIV test would help you clear your mind of any doubts but pretty sure this event would be an unlikely source for you to have contracted HIV from.
I wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
Thank you Doctor. You helped put my mind at ease. I guess being a "first exposure" I freaked. Thank you for your time, knowledge, and patience. Have a nice night/day.
Brief Answer:
THank you, too!
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your kind words.
I wish you well and remember am always available to address your concern.
Until next, I wish you well.
THank you, too!
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your kind words.
I wish you well and remember am always available to address your concern.
Until next, I wish you well.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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