Risk of Infection
HIV
Risk of HIV Infection
The average risk of HIV infection, when not on anti-viral therapy, is 0.3% from a sharps injury and 0.15% from a splash injury.
Treatment for Exposure to HIV
FDA approved prophylaxis is offered to employees and students who have been exposed to HIV positive blood in the performance of their job duties for 28 days.
Prophylaxis in these circumstances is voluntary. Consultation is available through Employee Health or Infectious Disease.
The risk of occupational HIV transmission varies by the type of exposure
| Splashes with body fluids | Near zero, even if the fluids have blood in them |
|---|---|
| Fluid splashes to intact skin or mucous membranes | Extremely low risk, even if blood is involved |
| Percutaneous (needle stick) injury | Less than 1% |
Source: CDC.gov | |
Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
Risk of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C Infection
The average risk of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in susceptible persons after percutaneous exposure to HBV-infected blood is 6-30%.
The risk of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after percutaneous exposure to HCV-infected blood is 7.4% (95% CI 3.9%-12.5%).
