Can HIV be transmitted by touching blood on a bottle?

Question

Hello doctor,

I went into a desert shop to get a milkshake, and when I looked at the bottle, I saw blood on it. I touched the blood on the bottle right after the blood got on the bottle. Can I catch HIV?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand your concern.

The risks of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission from blood-borne exposure require the source to be HIV positive. In this case, if this red spot is blood, then it would need to be HIV positive, and then there would also have to be a cut or opening in your skin to let the blood in. This picture (attachment hidden to protect the identity of the patient) looks more like a piece of frozen fruit splash or food coloring drop.

However, if it was blood, did any get onto your skin, and was there a cut in your skin where you touched it? Did you wash your hands immediately, as this is protective in unbroken skin?

The risk of HIV transmission from HIV-positive blood splashed into the eye is 1/1000 exposures according to date resources. In this case, the risk may be negligible. If you are concerned for any reason, you could get the following blood tests and follow up with an appointment.

Thank you.

Regards.

Investigations to be done:

FBC (full blood count), UEC (urea, electrolytes, and creatinine), HIV antibodies.

Probable diagnosis:

Negligible risk of HIV infection.

Treatment plan:

Blood tests if concerned and follow-up.

Regarding follow-up:

Follow-up if concerned with the above blood test results.

Preventive measures:

Hand hygiene.