[Question #13524] Blood contact with open deep wound

19 hours ago

Hi doctors. I’ve just had an unusual incident where during some celebration me and my colleague hit each other’s champagne bottles and broken them causing deep cut(muscle was visible and bleeding heavily) on fingers on both of us. I don’t really know his hiv, std status and not sure if his blood got into contact with my wound. Should i get pep or something like that? My local doctor said negligible risk as the blood was flowing outside … please help.

17 hours ago

Also after 5-10 minutes, doctor used hydrogen peroxide and iodine to disinfect. Will it kill hives and any other virus?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

17 hours ago

Welcome back to the Forum. Thanks for your continuing confidence in our service. Were I in your position I would not feel any need for PEP.

I agree with your doctor- blood flowing outward is not a risk for acquistion of HIV. Material containing HIV must be injected INTO the body to cause infection. In addition, you do not know the HIV status of your friend and statistically it is quite unlikely that he has untreated HIV or other blood borne infection.

Yes, both hydrogen peroxide and iodine would kill HIV if present.

Please don't worry. I see no need for concern and no need for testing related to the incident that you describe. EWH

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10 hours ago

Thanks for the reassurance! And final question:

Does your advice refer to all sti/stds

Regarding testing and not worrying?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

8 hours ago

I'm pleased that my comments were helpful. Yes, my assessment is for all STIs. Please don't worry. EWH---