Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.I am a diabetic (diet controlled) therefore do self finger-stick testing several times per day. My question is, what is the chance of infection with body fluids/blood coming into contact with the finger test sites, either thru direct or indirect contact (for instance, masturbating someone using that finger, or the my finger coming into contact with fresh blood or bodily fluids)?
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
Please refer to the website from the CDC on HIV transmission: www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/transmission.htm
It seems implausible to impossible that one could acquire HIV in this way. If there were a "hole" in the skin of your fingers and you came in touch with HIV-infected fluid, one could surmise you could become infected. But this has never been reported to occur.
I think your awareness of it as an issue is the key here--if you have small holes in your fingers, then coming into contact with HIV-positive fluid could effect transmission--but again, the risk here would be so very small.
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ASKD070105
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