Is it possible to get aids by getting transfused blood on your hands?

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2008

Not unless you have a cut or someplace for the bood to get into your system.

RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 13, 2008

agreed with the above poster, you can, but it has to have a place to enter. and you should report it anyhow. they could start protocol to make sure.

-H-RN

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2008

This is a very crazy question but I accidentally got transfused blood on my hands while hooking it up to a patient (I wasn't wearing gloves for some VERY stupid reason) and I washed it off immediately and scrubbed my hands. Now I'm freaking out because I'm thinking is it possible to catch anything from getting blood that is to be transfused? I know they do extensive testing on it but I am seriously paranoid and freaking out. Perhaps I should have reported it to my work? I just washed it off immediately and I did not think of it again.

Standard precautions on every body!! Remember. I wear gloves even when doing flushes.....any time and every time I touch a pts skin, I wear gloves!

I think you'll be fine, unless you have a cut like the other poster stated. They test the blood very well for things like aids, hep, etc. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just wear gloves always. Merry Christmas!

AZO49008 · Dec 14, 2008

Wow, you're an RN and you don't know the basics of blood-borne pathogens? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I recently saw another discussion about HIV transmission via blood exposure and some of the knowledge that was lacking in the ensuing discussion was alarming.

I don't understand that.

Maybe it's because I'm working in a lab while going to nursing school and I'm constantly handling blood and bodily fluids, but it just seems like something that should be basic information for any health care worker.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2008

Do you have any broken skin on your hands?

OC85 · Dec 14, 2008

Wow, you're an RN and you don't know the basics of blood-borne pathogens? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I recently saw another discussion about HIV transmission via blood exposure and some of the knowledge that was lacking in the ensuing discussion was alarming.
I don't understand that.
Maybe it's because I'm working in a lab while going to nursing school and I'm constantly handling blood and bodily fluids, but it just seems like something that should be basic information for any health care worker.

You know, I was having that same thought.... No wonder people with HIV/AIDS face such a stigma when even healthcare workers freak out sometimes and let their fears overcome actual knowledge.

Also, I was wondering, what sort of lab work do you do? What qualifications did you need to have? I'm thinking about possible jobs to look into while I'm going to school, and lab tech always seemed interesting to me. Thanks in advance for any info you're able to give.

prmenrs, RN · Dec 14, 2008

Blood for transfusion is screen for known blood borne pathogens, including HIV. In addition to a 'portal of entry' (break in skin), you need the pathogen.

I think you're safe, but sure is a lesson learned!!

ANH_RN · Dec 14, 2008

I guess what I meant is I know there is a 1 in 1 million chance that blood with HIV can get through the cracks of testing due to the 'window' period (the period right after someone actually becomes infected to the point antibodies, etc show up in the blood) and I am a very anxious and stupid person sometimes that let my emotions overcome me. I understand it's a very small chance but I DO have a couple cracks in my skin and it's possible you could have some type of break that you can even SEE. I washed it off immediately and honestly for the rest of the night the thought never crossed my mind again. I always wear gloves when setting up blood but on this particular night my brain completely did not register the fact that I was not wearing gloves (we had twelve admissions, I ended up with two by the end of the shift. needless to say it was the worst night EVER.) I wasn't even sure in a hospital they would consider that an 'exposure' and warrant further follow up. My manager was not even sure of it either so she had me call the employee health line. Thanks to everyone that replied. I learn my lessons the hard way.