What Are The Chances Of HIV Transmission Through Surgical Instruments?

Posted on Wed, 15 Jul 2015

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

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 Answered on

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I accidently stuck myself with a dirty scalpel while cleaning a tray. I was wearing gloves but the scalpel went through them. I immediately washed my hands with soap and water. The patient does not have a history of hepatitis or hiv. Should i be worried?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If patient does not have H/O HIV and Hepatitis than you need not to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX,

Welcome to HCM.

First of all, As your friend I will advice you to take due care while cleaning the surgical instruments. In this case you said the patient does not have history of HIV or Hepatitis then you need not to worry. To be absolutely positive, I will suggest to retest samples of patient's blood. This will allow you to put any fears of infection to rest.

Thank You.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad