Exposure to air renders the virus inactive, but ALWAYS wear full protective clothing regardless of what other's in the lab do. Safety for yourself should come first and it's far better to be safe than sorry.
Excuse me, experts. Do you mean there is no possible virus (HIV, HCV) transimssion through the protection clothing, goggles, masks, booties, hair caps, ... because of exposure to air ?
Working in an anatomical pathology lab, there should be extreme safety protocols in place for employees and as a tech, you should be fully aware of them and follow them religiously. You mentioned taking off your mask but said nothing about your gloves. Please tell me you wear gloves
You had NO RISK for HIV.
I strongly recommend you discuss safety issues with your employer.
HIV is rendered in active when exposed to air. Thus you cannot have HIV. Did you discuss this with your employer?