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AIDS/Can HIV penetrate rash?

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Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 10/16/2007


Question
I'm a Medical Technologist and one time i was examining a patient's blood for reticulocyte count when suddenly the coverslip slipped.. i didn't notice it.. i was using methylene blue mixed with patient's blood... then i felt stingy on my hand.. i saw some fluids touched my hand...i have eczema in that part... i just washed it...the next day i heard the patient is AIDs positive.. is there any possibility that i will be infected too?

Answer
I would suggest that you discuss this with your superiors at work. I highly doubt you would have contracted HIV- and I do not know if eczema is just dry skin or if it creates openings in the skin. Theoretically, if HIV infected blood enters the body, transmission is possible.

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Volunteer

Kristen Brannock, MPH

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.

Experience

I trained with the Red Cross to become an HIV/AIDS counselor and was a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service in college. I have an MPH in Health Behavior and Health Education and conduct research in the field of HIV prevention. I also take continuing education courses in HIV/STI prevention periodically.

Education/Credentials
Master of Public Health Health Behavior and Health Education UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health (formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)

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