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Can HIV Or Hepatitis-C Be Contracted Through Blood Stain On Glove?
Question: Hi there, my name is XXXX. My question is in regards of possibility of Hep C and or HIV transmission from stained blood found on my gloves to a small coin sized wound on my face (from dry skin) which was about 12hrs old.
Given my recent needle stick injury from hep c source and i just got the all clear, I have to admit i have become paranoid more than usual during my work in health care setting. A few days ago, while tending to a patient with Hep C (which i was found later), i put in a IV cannula and some of the blood did stain my gloves. I took note of this and reminded myself to dispose of the gloves. Nonetheless, i could not remember if i actually change my gloves or not. As we are in a rush, we kept things going attending to the patient. Its never in my habit to touch my face while i'm wearing a glove but i may have done so while putting on a facial mask. Hours later only then i found out that patient is positive for Hep C and active IVDU. Given my recent predicament with a needlestick, i became paranoid and recall the event of the blood stain on my gloves.
I'm just anxious to know if transmission is a possibility had the blood from the gloves that i was wearing came in contact with my wound (12hrs old, mildy raw looking, no active bleed or ooze)
Given my recent needle stick injury from hep c source and i just got the all clear, I have to admit i have become paranoid more than usual during my work in health care setting. A few days ago, while tending to a patient with Hep C (which i was found later), i put in a IV cannula and some of the blood did stain my gloves. I took note of this and reminded myself to dispose of the gloves. Nonetheless, i could not remember if i actually change my gloves or not. As we are in a rush, we kept things going attending to the patient. Its never in my habit to touch my face while i'm wearing a glove but i may have done so while putting on a facial mask. Hours later only then i found out that patient is positive for Hep C and active IVDU. Given my recent predicament with a needlestick, i became paranoid and recall the event of the blood stain on my gloves.
I'm just anxious to know if transmission is a possibility had the blood from the gloves that i was wearing came in contact with my wound (12hrs old, mildy raw looking, no active bleed or ooze)
Brief Answer:
Practically no chances. Observation needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
In your case there is practically no chances of any infection. The risk of transmission of HBV and HCV from an occupational exposure is significantly greater than the risk of HIV transmission. The risk of HCV infection following a needlestick is 1.8%, whereas the risk of HBV infection ranges from 1% to 30% depending on the presence of hepatitis e antigen. But in your case as there is no needle prick injury chances are further low. Neither immunoglobulin nor antiviral agents are recommended for HCV post-exposure prophylaxis.Liver panel including liver enzymes
HCV antibody, and if positive, HCV RNA test. Week 4: HCV RNA and liver panel, Week 12: HCV RNA and liver panel, Week 24: Liver panel and HCV antibody. If at any time the serum ALT level is elevated, the clinician should repeat HCV RNA testing to confirm acute HCV infection. Seroconversion with the ELISA antibody test occurs in 50% of patients within 9 weeks of exposure, in 80% of patients within 15 weeks of exposure, and in at least 97% of patients within 6 months of exposure. If after 6 months tests are negative then there is nil chances of infection.
As far as HIV is concerned chances are practically nil. But for your psychological advantage you can get tested by HIV PCR after 6-7 weeks and 4 th generation ELISA after 12 weeks and a final confirmation at 6 months.
Till that I advise you to have patience and you can take the help of a counselor.
Best of health
Hope I answered your query
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer and write a review.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Practically no chances. Observation needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
In your case there is practically no chances of any infection. The risk of transmission of HBV and HCV from an occupational exposure is significantly greater than the risk of HIV transmission. The risk of HCV infection following a needlestick is 1.8%, whereas the risk of HBV infection ranges from 1% to 30% depending on the presence of hepatitis e antigen. But in your case as there is no needle prick injury chances are further low. Neither immunoglobulin nor antiviral agents are recommended for HCV post-exposure prophylaxis.Liver panel including liver enzymes
HCV antibody, and if positive, HCV RNA test. Week 4: HCV RNA and liver panel, Week 12: HCV RNA and liver panel, Week 24: Liver panel and HCV antibody. If at any time the serum ALT level is elevated, the clinician should repeat HCV RNA testing to confirm acute HCV infection. Seroconversion with the ELISA antibody test occurs in 50% of patients within 9 weeks of exposure, in 80% of patients within 15 weeks of exposure, and in at least 97% of patients within 6 months of exposure. If after 6 months tests are negative then there is nil chances of infection.
As far as HIV is concerned chances are practically nil. But for your psychological advantage you can get tested by HIV PCR after 6-7 weeks and 4 th generation ELISA after 12 weeks and a final confirmation at 6 months.
Till that I advise you to have patience and you can take the help of a counselor.
Best of health
Hope I answered your query
If no clarifications then you can close the discussion and rate the answer and write a review.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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