Aa
Doorknob and bleeding cut on finger
Hello,
Yesterday I noticed that I had a bleeding cut on my right pinky finger, (probably gotten from sharp keys in my coat pocket) as I was walking into the building where I work.
I work in a health clinic and I used a few doorknobs, (with my right hand which was bleeding), before I got to my office where I put a band-aid on.
I am worried about the possibility of HIV transmission into the bleeding cut from the doorknobs I used BEFORE I put a band-aid on. There is a phlebotomy center near one of the doors I used and I worry about the possibility of some HIV infected blood being on the doorknob and the possibility that some of that HIV infected blood getting into the open cut without a band-aid.
This may sound irrational and far fetched but thank you for taking my question.
Yesterday I noticed that I had a bleeding cut on my right pinky finger, (probably gotten from sharp keys in my coat pocket) as I was walking into the building where I work.
I work in a health clinic and I used a few doorknobs, (with my right hand which was bleeding), before I got to my office where I put a band-aid on.
I am worried about the possibility of HIV transmission into the bleeding cut from the doorknobs I used BEFORE I put a band-aid on. There is a phlebotomy center near one of the doors I used and I worry about the possibility of some HIV infected blood being on the doorknob and the possibility that some of that HIV infected blood getting into the open cut without a band-aid.
This may sound irrational and far fetched but thank you for taking my question.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
As a health care worker, you need to read up on HIV transmission risks and perhaps speak with your employer. Nobody in the world has ever acquired HIV from the sort of events you describe, and nobody ever will.
Standard lists of HIV risks always include blood exposure. But the only blood exposures ever known to have transmitted the virus were direct injury with sharp instruments visibly contaminated with infected blood, blood transfusion, shared injection equipment, and the like. HIV dies on drying or air exposure, so even if HIV contaminated blood or secretions had been left on a doorknob, handling that knob -- even with a fresh cut -- carries no risk whatoever.
So as you say yourself, your concern her is certainly far-fetched -- and although not quite "irrational", it's pretty close. You could not have been infected and do not need testing for HIV.
Regards-- HHH, MD
As a health care worker, you need to read up on HIV transmission risks and perhaps speak with your employer. Nobody in the world has ever acquired HIV from the sort of events you describe, and nobody ever will.
Standard lists of HIV risks always include blood exposure. But the only blood exposures ever known to have transmitted the virus were direct injury with sharp instruments visibly contaminated with infected blood, blood transfusion, shared injection equipment, and the like. HIV dies on drying or air exposure, so even if HIV contaminated blood or secretions had been left on a doorknob, handling that knob -- even with a fresh cut -- carries no risk whatoever.
So as you say yourself, your concern her is certainly far-fetched -- and although not quite "irrational", it's pretty close. You could not have been infected and do not need testing for HIV.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Hello Dr HHH,
Thanks a lot for your fast response to my question. And thanks for being there. You have put my mind at rest!
Thanks a lot for your fast response to my question. And thanks for being there. You have put my mind at rest!
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
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.
