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Expert: Terry B - 8/4/2009


Question
Hi Terry,

Thank you so much for the great job that you are doing.
I am an electrician and I was working with a co-worker on some electrical wires, the wires ends were kind of sharp. during the work I cut my elbow by the end of one of those wires, it was a superficial cut (more like scratch), 3 mm long and it bled a little.
My question is what are the chances of contracting HIV or HCV and do I need an HIV or HCV test?

Thank you so much for your help in advance.

Armando

Answer
Hi Armando:

Peace.  If the wires were wet with the fluids of an infected person at the time of your being cut, there might be some risk.  If not, no risk.  I don't see any reason for HIV or other testing based on this incident, but knowing your status is always helpful.

Hope that helps,

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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