Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dermatology
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,
If a person with HIV uses a scissor to cut himself, then eight hours later, another person uses the same scissor—which has the HIV guy's blood on it—to hurt herself. What is the possibility of HIV transmission here? Please assist.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Usually, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) does not survive in the environment on surfaces beyond a few hours. So, it is unlikely to transmit HIV if there are eight hours for the risk exposure (scissor cut) as it tends to become inactive and may not be able to cause infection. In my opinion, the chances of transmission of HIV by the given description are almost nil.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
So, is the risk nil in this situation? What about a test, needed or not in this situation? Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
If there is no risk of transmission of HIV, HIV tests are not required. HIV tests are done to rule out if there are any possibilities of transmission of HIV. Please go for an HIV antibodies test as a baseline test now. HIV antibody test requires 90 day window period. It can be done again after 90 days of exposure for conclusive results.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and take care.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I do not understand. You told me the risk is nil in this situation. But then, here is info about the test: why should I test if my risk is zero in a scissor situation?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
In my opinion, the risk is almost nil for the given exposure. There may not be HIV tests needed for this. But to relieve anxiety and rule out any slight possibilities of transmission, HIV tests may be done as suggested earlier.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
I trust your opinion, and if I understand correctly, the risk of transmission of HIV is nil in this situation. Is that true? So, no chance of HIV? Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Yes. In my opinion, the risk of HIV Transmission in this situation is almost nil. So, the risk of HIV is nil.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and take care.
Regards.
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Dermatology
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