[Question #13816] Razor Blade Incident
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8 days ago
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Yesterday I was in a home improvement store (Menards) and I was loading some doors onto my cart, I went to grab the last door and I felt stabbing pain on my finger, I looked down and there was a full razor blade stuck in the side the cardboard packaging (sticking out only about a half inch) and it cut my finger pretty badly and was dripping blood all over the floor of the store (20+ drops). With my anxiety, my mind is telling me what if someone placed that there in hopes to cut someone or what if someone was cut on it soon before me. So my mind directly goes to “could I have possibly gotten a blood borne infection like HIV, Hepatitis B or C from this?”
I removed the blade and looked at it, I didn’t really see any major visible blood on it, but this was after I cut myself so it’s strange my blood wasn’t seen on it either which worries me even more and it looked fairly new (not rusty). I’m assuming the stocker placed it in there. I’m really hoping I don’t have to worry about being infected with anything.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
8 days ago
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Welcome back to the Forum. I'll be glad to comment.
What a strange occurence. I hope you reported it to the store management.
The risk for infection with HIV, hepatitis or other blood borne infections from this exposure is low. For infections to be transmitted, infected blood must be directly injected into tissue. Sharp edges such as razor blades do not have a cavity which could contain blood which might then be transferred to cause infection. Further, exposure to the environment renders infectious material non-infectious almost immediately due to lower temperature and drying. I would have little or no concern about acquiring a blood borne infection from this exposure.
I see no need for testing. EWH
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7 days ago
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Appreciate the response. When you say “little” concern, how worried should I be about this situation exactly? Normal sex with my wife is still safe? The incident just made me feel uneasy obviously.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 days ago
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I said “little or no” and my assessment is closer to no than little. No reason to abstain from unprotected sex with your wife. EWH---
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7 days ago
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Has anyone ever been infected with hiv or hep from a razor blade or something like this in the real world? Or is this a scenario where you say “no reported cases” “you won’t be the first”. I apologize, i am just trying to process the wording you’ve used and tell myself i have nothing to worry about here. I have a very anxious mind when it comes to health risks. Just takes a few confirmations to get it in my head. I know this is my last follow up. Last few questions.
1. Any reported cases of HIV/HEP infection in the ways I described (Being Cut In The Environment)?
2. Can I really move on without worrying about being infected?
3. Testing not required correct?
4. Absolutely sure I can be with my wife without putting her in any danger?
5. Ive looked through other posts and seen that it’s been said to avoid hiv and hep b you only have to avoid unprotected sex and sharing needles. Would that still be the case with my situation in mind?
I really appreciate your time and help in this situation.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 days ago
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You’re over reading this. Please don’t let your anxiety get the best of you. No one has ever been known to get infected with HIV or any other blood borne infection from this sort of exposure. You will not be the first. HIV is much harder to get than you seem to think. Final brief answers to your specific questions:
1. None
2. Yes
3. Correct. No testing needed
4. Yes
5. This is correct. Further, even with exposure to someone with untreated HIV less than 1% of exposures ( and in most cases, far less than 1%) result in infection
This completes this thread. Take care. EWH
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