[Question #13936] Potentially Contaminated Bandage
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3 days ago
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Good morning. I get cracked hands in the winter and early spring and my hand was cracked with an open area that was red and raw (it stung with use of hand sanitizer and soap with water). I had put a bandage over the area and when I took the bandage off later in the day, I noticed red spots/marks on the bandage and began to have anxiety. Is there any risk of HIV, hepatitis or other blood-borne diseases if somehow the bandage had been previously contaminated with blood and then I used it (regardless of where the potential blood may have come from, the amount of time, the status of my hand and any other factors)? Thank you for your time and expertise.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
3 days ago
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It is unlikely that the bandage you used was contaminated (If anything, this discoloration was likely from you) but even if it was and even in the unlikely situation that the bandage had been contaminated with blood from a person with HIV, hepatitis or other blood born infection, there would be no appreciable risk of infection from having used the bandage. There is no need for concern and no need for testing. Please don't worry. EWH---
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3 days ago
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Additionally... After touching the bandage, I want to also confirm that there would be no risk of what I mentioned from me then touching any part of my body. Thank you.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
3 days ago
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Correct, no risk from touching elsewhere on your body.
One follow-up remaning. EWH
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3 days ago
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I would only just like to confirm once more for closure that there was NO risk of HIV, hepatitis or other blood-borne diseases from what I mentioned and there is NO need for testing. Thank you.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
3 days ago
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Repeating the question does not change the answer. Anything infectious would both become non-infectious upon exposure to the environment and adhere to the bandage. There was no risk and no scientific reason to test.
This thread in now complete and will be closed shortly. EWH
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