Can HIV Be Contracted Through Casual Contact During Cataract Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 31 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 Answered on

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I would like an HIV Dr to answer.
In April I had cataract surgery at a cataract center. The Dr and all nurses wore gloves. The nurse who put in my IV needle in my hand wore gloves. When I got to OR the person (nurse or anesthesiologist???) connected my tube from my hand to the IV bag tube using a Braun Ultrasite. He did not wear gloves. I later questioned the manager and she assured me that was ok. He wiped it down with alcohol and connected it. I am wondering if that IS ok? Could I have gotten HIV or hepatitis if his hands had blood on them or they were unclean? I called a couple AIDS Hotlines and they all assured me there was no risk and no need to worry. Please answer as this is making me very worried. I feel I am worrying for nothing but I know so little about HIV that it is scary.
THX!

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Chances of HIV transmission from an OR is remote.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.

HIV can not be viable outside the body fluids not more than few seconds. HIV transmission through casual contact contaminated with blood is negligible as per CDC, XXXXXXX
Operative theater staffs never use hands or any instruments without washing and got sterilized especially when they handle a new patient.

So you need not worry about such things.

Regards
Dr S.Murugan

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D