Dr. Shah Sushma Kant
HIV/AIDS specialist
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Three days ago a colleague at work injured herself with a knife and started bleeding, she just left the knife there without washing it. Then we went home and we were all off work for three days. This morning I completely forgot about that episode and used the knife to fix breakfast. I accidentally cut myself. If she has HIV, how big is the risk of infection in this case? Is there a need for testing or is the risk zero? I read that HIV does not survive on a knife for three days, but why does it survive on a needle for more than seven days?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com
In three days on a knife, the blood completely dried. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) will not survive in dry blood. It is wrong information about needles. The needle bore is very small so how come the blood in the needle survives, the blood clot on both sides means dry so no virus can survive. If anyone presses hard to clean the clot it is impossible. You read it for drug addicts they use the same needle to save money that they get infected with. I hope you understand the fact. So you are at least zero risk. You do not need any test. I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the clarification. So if I understand correctly in this scenario the risk of HIV transmission is zero and no test is needed?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com
Yes, you are right. You are completely safe, nothing is required. Do not worry. Relax ad take care. I hope I have cleared all your doubts.
Thank you.
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HIV/AIDS specialist
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