From the Guidelines
Touching someone's blood can be dangerous as it poses a risk of transmitting bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. If you come into contact with another person's blood, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water 1. For eye or mouth exposure, rinse well with water. If the blood contacted broken skin or if there was a needlestick injury, seek medical attention promptly, ideally within 24 hours, as post-exposure prophylaxis may be needed. Healthcare providers might recommend medications like tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada) plus dolutegravir (Tivicay) for HIV exposure, typically taken for 28 days. Hepatitis B vaccination or immune globulin might also be administered depending on your vaccination status. The risk of infection varies based on the type of exposure and the infected person's viral load, with deeper puncture wounds carrying higher risk than brief contact with intact skin. Always use protective barriers like gloves when you anticipate contact with blood, and treat all blood as potentially infectious 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of infection, and should be performed before and after touching a patient, as well as after exposure to blood or other bodily fluids 1.
- The use of gloves can provide an effective barrier against bloodborne pathogens, but they should be removed and disposed of properly after use, and hands should be washed immediately afterwards 1.
- The risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens can be minimized by following proper infection control procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment and proper hand hygiene 1.
It's worth noting that while the risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens is present, the actual risk of transmission can be relatively low if proper precautions are taken. However, it's always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with potentially infectious materials.
From the Research
Risks Associated with Touching Someone's Blood
- Touching someone's blood can pose a risk of contracting bloodborne infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C 2, 3.
- The likelihood of contracting a bloodborne infection is small, but it is essential for individuals, especially healthcare professionals, to be aware of the risks and take standard precautions to protect themselves 2.
- Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids, making it crucial to handle these substances with care 4.
Precautions and Prevention
- Universal precautions, such as wearing gloves and using protective equipment, can help prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens when handling human blood, body fluids, or specimens 4.
- Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is available for individuals who have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens, and it is essential to follow the recommended guidelines for PEP 3.
- Vaccination against hepatitis B is also an effective way to prevent infection, and it is recommended for individuals who are at high risk of exposure 3, 5.
Safety and Efficacy of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily oral emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing HIV infection 5, 6.
- The safety and efficacy of PrEP have been evaluated in various studies, and the results suggest that it can be safely provided to individuals with hepatitis B infection, as long as there is no evidence of cirrhosis or substantial transaminase elevation 5.