Anti-HIV

[NurseyPoo7]

I have a patient who was admitted to ICU for resp distress on Bipap and was later transferred to med surg. Hes on precautionary TB isolation, although his PPD was negative and f/u CXR was also negative. There was also suspicion maybe this was PCP - pt refusing to be tested for HIV. But I saw in his labs there was one called "Anti-HIV" and the result said "Reactive" and in the notes it said the sample was sent to the state laboratory for further testing. I've looked in my lab test book from nursing school and I dont see a test entitled "Anti-HIV".

Does anyone know about this and what it means?

[NurseyPoo7]

This is another good reason why we must treat every patient as if they've got an infectious disease. We really are not armed with all the information we truly need regarding the health statuses of these people, and this could be to our detriment. I've even witnessed some healthcare workers who have obtained fingersticks without gloves or started IVs with their bare hands.

What exactly good is a glove when a needle can easily penetrate through it?

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

What exactly good is a glove when a needle can easily penetrate through it?

I'm not sure what your point is. How many needle sticks do you get? I had one in my life, and it was my own improper technique that caused it.

[HonestRN]

What exactly good is a glove when a needle can easily penetrate through it?

A glove adds another layer of protection. Some of the infectious fluids are rubbed off simply by passing through the glove therefore less is on the needle when/if it penetrates your skin.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

What exactly good is a glove when a needle can easily penetrate through it?

A glove can serve as an effective barrier between my chapped skin and someone else's infectious body fluids. A properly-fitting glove can do miracles when I am performing a dressing change on a patient with HIV+ and HCV+ positivity.

[RedWeasel, RN]

maybe there was a legal issue with the pt maybe passing it on to another person...and though the pt refused...it was legally okay to test him? I don't know....that is curious...