Tested HIV positive patient with bare fingers for oedema, what to do?

Resolved question:

Hello doctor, I am medical student and yesterday i did test for an AIDS patient for edema on his chin of tibia with bared thumb I squeezed my thumb to see if i have cuts but i did not notice any cut or blood but i am afraid if there is microscopic injuries that may transmit virus?

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert: Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hello, Thank you for asking your query at DoctorSpring.

As you did not have any cuts in your hand there is not much chance you would have got the infection. However to be on the safer side, you can take the Post Exposure Prophylaxis. Take Zidovudine 300 mg and lamivudine 150 mg twice a day for four weeks.

I advise you to follow strictly when handling HIV positive patient:

Always use a glow when examining the patient, especially when collecting or handling blood and body fluids contaminated with blood.
Wear a face shield when there is danger of blood splashing on mucous membrane.
Be very cautious when pricking the patient, always use a double glove. The syringe, needle, cotton and glove used should be thrown in biohazard bin.

Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask follow-up questions.

Ask Your Own Medical Question >

Tested HIV positive patient with bare fingers for oedema, what to do?

Users who read this, also read: