Question

Which of the following forms of exposure places a technologist at the higher risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

a. aerosol inhalation (eg, AIDS patient's sneeze)
b. ingestion (eg, mouth pipetting of positive serum)
c. needlestick (eg, from AIDS contaminated needle)
d. splash (eg, infected serum spill onto intact skin4

Answer 1

Needlestick injuries pose the highest risk for a technologist to contract HIV, due to direct contact with infected blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The technologist is at the highest risk for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through a needlestick (e.g., from an AIDS contaminated needle).

Transmission of HIV occurs through direct contact with infected body fluids such as blood, meaning that needlestick injuries represent a significant risk, especially in healthcare settings. Proper precautions, such as using disposable syringes and wearing gloves, can help prevent such exposure.

It is also critical for health-care workers to follow post-exposure protocols if they experience a needlestick injury from an infected source.