Will I get HIV through a cut on my hand while washing surgical instruments?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

First, HIV can survive only for 8 to 12 seconds in the outside world. The HIV contaminated instruments and waste material from instruments cannot cause HIV infection as there will be more than 30 minutes before contacting you. Second, never work with open wounds. Taking HIV out of the equation, you have the highest chances of HBV (hepatitis B virus) transmission as it can survive upto 30 days in a harsh environment. Thirdly, as there is open injury, there are chances of bacterial infection. Finally, you are not at risk of getting HIV but at risk of getting HBV. You can take the HBsAg vaccine as a preventive measure.