Not sure if blood got in my eye; possible blood splash.

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Hi, I was taking out an IV of a patient and while doing so, I felt a couple of drops of blood splash onto my face. I didn't feel anything get into my eye, but I'm not sure. I know transmission risk of HCV & HIV are considerably low, but it would be great to know if I don't have to worry regardless. Would I definitely feel it if something got in my eye? Thanks!

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

Next time when you take it out use a piece of gauze and pull it out and downward. I've had an actual needle stick injury before, thankfully from someone that was HIV, HEP C negative. Even with an HIV positive needlestick injury the percentage is extremely low. I'm not sure about blood in the eye. If you're really worried you can report it to employee health.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome to Allnurses.com!

The membership is not permitted to exchange medical advice due to liability issues. Hopefully you informed your supervisor and/or manager at work. If not, please do so ASAP. You should also make your primary care provider aware of this potential or actual incident.

Good luck to you.

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Hi, I was taking out an IV of a patient and while doing so, I felt a couple of drops of blood splash onto my face. I didn't feel anything get into my eye, but I'm not sure. I know transmission risk of HCV & HIV are considerably low, but it would be great to know if I don't have to worry regardless. Would I definitely feel it if something got in my eye? Thanks!

We have no way of relieving your worry, even if we were allowed to. We weren't there and have zero idea if you could have gotten blood splatter into your eye without knowing.

Talk to employee health and your primary doc. I have a feeling they will give you some good statistical evidence and advice for how to proceed after possible exposure.

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Hey all!

Thanks for the feedback. I know legally you can't assure me that I'm fine, but I did get the info I needed regarding statistics. I definitely didn't feel anything go into my eye which is good because from what I understand, I'd more than likely know/feel blood in the eye. And if by some chance I did get anything in my eye, ors a very small chance of contracting anything. The patient has since been discharged, but I couldn't find anything In her history saying she is HIV or HCV, no IVDU. Which is reassuring. thanks again. :)

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