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Potential exposure through urine
Hey guys,
A few weeks ago I took care of a patient that was HIV positive and on antireteoviral medications. The patient had what's called an external urinary catheter which basically just suctions urine to the wall cannister.
While changing the cannister I felt a flick of urine got into my eye. I did wash my eye out. I notified occupational health and they stated that urine is not a means of transmission and that I did not require PEP. I then spoke to an infectious disease doctor who also agreed.
I just wanted you guys thought on the incident, everything I have read has said urine cannot transmit the virus and it is broken down once exposed to air. I have been anxious about it. They said that I could go forwarded and be tested but they are certain it would be negative. I have done baseline tests which are negative.
Is this a real exposure or am I simply being overly anxious?
A few weeks ago I took care of a patient that was HIV positive and on antireteoviral medications. The patient had what's called an external urinary catheter which basically just suctions urine to the wall cannister.
While changing the cannister I felt a flick of urine got into my eye. I did wash my eye out. I notified occupational health and they stated that urine is not a means of transmission and that I did not require PEP. I then spoke to an infectious disease doctor who also agreed.
I just wanted you guys thought on the incident, everything I have read has said urine cannot transmit the virus and it is broken down once exposed to air. I have been anxious about it. They said that I could go forwarded and be tested but they are certain it would be negative. I have done baseline tests which are negative.
Is this a real exposure or am I simply being overly anxious?
You're being overly anxious. Urine is not infectious for HIV. Any HIV specialist would tell you the same thing.
1 Comments
Hey,
Thanks for responding. That seems to be the general consensus. It's just seems that when anxiety kicks in all logic can sometimes go out the window.
Thanks for responding. That seems to be the general consensus. It's just seems that when anxiety kicks in all logic can sometimes go out the window.
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