A member asked:

My phone fell into a medical waste bin at a hospital that was filled with wet, blood-soaked material, needles and other bio hazardous material. i dipped my bare hand in to retrieve it and sanitized the phone and my hands after. am i at risk for hiv?

4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

This repeats your previous question with more detail about the nature of the waste bin. If you did not get an obvious cut or prick with a needle (which you would be able to feel and would see the wound), then you do not need testing for HIV or other blood borne infections. However, if you are on the staff of the hospital, you should discuss this with the infection control team.

Answered 5/30/2023

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Dr. Silviu Pasniciuc answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

No risk for HIV if no wounds following the event. However, such events have to be reported to infection control at your facility and you may receive specific instructions.

Answered 5/31/2023

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HIV is a blood to blood transmission. If you had no cuts, bruises, or open wounds than you should be fine. Since this incident occurred in a hospital a bio-hazard incident must be reported. In the future wear gloves if a similar incident occurs.

Answered 5/30/2023

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