I was asked to retrieve something from a friend's purse. I nicked two of my fingers on a razor that happened to be in the bag. It appeared to be only superficial cuts as there was no visible blood. They looked and felt like a painless paper cut. I do not know my friends HIV status but I do know she demands STD testing from potential liaisons (including myself). After the accident, I very quickly (Within a minute) washed it with soap and water and then I splashed some hydrogen peroxide on the cuts. I'm not sure when the last time was the razor was used, but it hadn't been used in at least the time period that she and I were hanging out, at least an hour or two. I asked her when the last time was the razor was used and she said "Months. I touch up my legs occasionally". I might add that she wasn't all that thrilled about me asking her about this. (She was a bit offended that I was implying that she might have something transmissible like that)

Thank you very much.

1.  HIV infections are very, very uncommon and women.  Your partner sounds to be low risk. 

2.  For HIV be transmitted through a cut or exposure of the sort you describe, infected blood must be injected deep into tissue. The minor scratch and neck that you describe is not a concern.

All that I see above, also pertains to any risk for acquisition of hepatitis B as well.

Bottom line, this was a very low risk event. It is not something I would worry about in the least. If any part of my response is unclear or there are additional questions, please don’t hesitate to use your update to follow ups for clarification. Take care. EWH 

I'm not sure how much bearing this would have, but I think I should also point out as I should have before that my friend apparently did dabble in injection drug use in the past but was insistent with me that she never shared needles. She told me that it's foolish to do so especially since needles are cheap. (I concur)

You are correct that HIV does not remain infectious when exposed to the environment outside the body, particularly when on a a solid, unprotected surface such as a razor blade.  

You did not mention how long ago this occurred but if you wish to test for the reassurance it would provide (and ONLY for that reason, I have no concern about the event you describe), then feel free to do so six weeks after the event.  Should you opt to do this, I am confident the test will show that you were not infected by the event you described.

Please don't worry, EWH

Your (and Dr Hansfield's) replies to various questions on various sites have been a great help over the years with my anxiety issues regarding HIV and Hepatitis. This was merely the first time to my knowledge that my particular situation hasn't been asked about by someone else. 

A quick scan with the CDC informs me that the risk from a needle stick in a healthcare setting is 1 out of 300 ish. (Lower risk than I thought it would be). I'm guessing it would be logical to assume that my situation would be even less risk? 

That'll be my final question. Thank you so much.

This completes this thread.  Take care. EWH