Hiv risk from fresh blood on fingertip cut

[Nikibean]

Hello community! I’m hoping someone could answer my question and help ease the anxiety I’m currently experiencing. I’m a 38 year old female who gets tested every three months to stay on top of my sexual health. I have only one sexual partner who I’ve been dealing with for two years. We’ve always used protection during vaginal sex, but I’m not certain if he’s been wearing protection with possible partners other than myself. Well yesterday  I was cutting vegetables to go into my crockpot, when I cut my index finger at the tip towards the nail. It bleed but I was able to cut the nail down and bandage it with some ointment. Fast forward to this morning, it was still sore and the cut was red, but wasn’t bleeding and I could tell it was starting to heal. This afternoon my partner came to visit and were intimate. We had protected sex like always and fell into conversation afterwards. I asked him when he was last tested, and showed him my results from lab work that was done during my well woman exam. I told him that I had an Insti hiv test that I’d ordered online to test him if he’d like. I didn’t have gloves but proceeded to test him anyways, which wasn’t wise on my part. After pricking his finger, we had a difficult time getting enough blood out. After squeezing enough blood to test with, I then noticed that some of his blood was running across my finger wound. I tried not to panic as I completed his test and it was negative. I was a little relieved but also understood that he may have still been in the window period from other possible encounters, although he said he was only with me. What is the risk of hiv transmission if he was actually positive and in the window period? I kept looking at my finger to make sure their weren’t any openings in the cut, although it’s still red and a little sore. I’m trying not to over think but my anxiety gets the best of me at times. I’m going to wait 30 days and test for a peace of mind. Your answers are greatly appreciated.

[diver58]

Your risk never existed from the "exposure" you described. Flowing blood on or around a non bleeding wound is not any risk at all. HIV transmission takes place only as a result of exchange of body fluids INSIDE the body, like unprotected penetration or sharing works in the drugs.You should not worry even if he was in his window period though possibility of this situation is also far remote and highly unlikely

[Nikibean]

Thank you so much!

[Nikibean]

I do have one more question. Wouldn’t the blood become inactive due to being exposed to air? Making it an lesser risk if their was one? Thank you.

[CurfewX]

Blood outside of the body is not a risk.  Simple as that.  The only case in which the transmission of HIV is theoretically possible through wounds is when two people have severe injuries and the blood of one person can get into the bloodstream of another.  Wounds of this magnitude would be life- or health-threatening - nothing one would encounter in daily living.

[Nikibean]

I went to a local clinic to see if they’d recommend PEP. The staff informed me that it wasn’t a huge enough risk, and that I should be fine. I know my issue is more psychological than anything due to my child’s father being diagnosed years ago a few months after her birth. I’ve decided to just try to remain calm and focus on both of you guys responses until I can test again for a piece of mind. Thank you both.