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What is the risk of HIV in needle prick injury?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a medical professional. I injected a 5 year child in his buttock and while recapping the needle it pricked my finger. I applied pressure and allowed a few more drops of blood to ooze out and washed my hand with soap and water. Now, my question is that what are the chances of HIV (Human Immuno Deficiency Virus) transmission in this case, if the child is HIV positive?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

According to world health organization (WHO),you are at 0.3% risk. Various other studies have also shown the risk range from 0.1% to 0.5%.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Does it make any difference that I made several drops of blood to ooze out? Moreover, there was no blood in the needle when I had withdrawn the needle from the buttock of the patient.

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, it is not going to make any difference. The risk will remain the same.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At August 30, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 18, 2023

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