Aa
HIV from rectal thermometer WITHOUT probe cover?
Hello,
My 7-month old baby boy was recently in the hospital. One nurse was taking his temperature rectally and forgot to put the probe cover/sheath on so it went inside my baby's rectum without any protection. Obviously the rectal thermometer is supposed to have a disposable cover used for each patient then disposed of. Is there a chance he could be infected with HIV and/or Hepatitus B because she failed to use the cover? He has had blood in his stool too so if a patient before him that is HIV + has blood in his stool too...When I pointed out to the nurse she was like "oh, that was an accident." Seriously unacceptable! I know the hospital is supposed to clean the thermometers between patients, but when they typically use the probe covers, do they really do that and do they do it well? I am a concerned Mommy and have a yucky feeling in my belly about this. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts.
My 7-month old baby boy was recently in the hospital. One nurse was taking his temperature rectally and forgot to put the probe cover/sheath on so it went inside my baby's rectum without any protection. Obviously the rectal thermometer is supposed to have a disposable cover used for each patient then disposed of. Is there a chance he could be infected with HIV and/or Hepatitus B because she failed to use the cover? He has had blood in his stool too so if a patient before him that is HIV + has blood in his stool too...When I pointed out to the nurse she was like "oh, that was an accident." Seriously unacceptable! I know the hospital is supposed to clean the thermometers between patients, but when they typically use the probe covers, do they really do that and do they do it well? I am a concerned Mommy and have a yucky feeling in my belly about this. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts.
Your son is not at risk for HIV. HIV cannot maintain its infectiousness on objects and surfaces. You have nothing at all to worry about.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
