Expert: John Thai, M.D. - 5/2/2007

Question
A couple of days back when I was shopping in the Mall, I was going through some Men's folded shirts, some sharp thing scratched my palm. I belive its the pins they put in folded shirts.
It made a scratch of about 1 inch and just at the beginging of scratch I bleeded about a drop of blood.
As there were many people in that shop and if the same pin would have scratched or pinched somebody else who is HIV +ve, then what is the chance that HIV will be transmitted that way?

In general when scratched or pinched by sharp objects in public places, what precaution should be taken?
Would pressing the scratched part hard to let more blood out reduce the chance of Virus entering the blood stream?  

Answer
Hi Melanie,

There's less than 0.5% chance of getting infected with HIV due to a scratch or abrasion from a needle swipe. There's a higher risk if the needle was inserted deep into your skin layers.

In general, you should be updated with your tetanus shot. A booster shot should be administered once every 10 years. The wound area should be washed with antibiotic soap. Various methods of wound treatments depend on the type of wound. A mild abrasion, such as a scratch, should need only be cleansed with a small application of neosporin or bacitracin.

I always recommend an HIV test once every 3 months if you're sexually active. It is offered free by the Department of Health and Human Services.


Regards,

John T, MD