NCJ Number
107538
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This bulletin on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) summarizes what is known about the risks of infection associated with exposure to blood that might be encountered by law enforcement and criminal justice personnel in the course of their duties and describes standard precautionary measures that should be taken to minimize risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Abstract
Needlesticks and punctures with sharp instruments pose greater risk of blood-to-blood contact than open-wound exposures. While the overall probability of HIV infection from a single needlestick or puncture is low, personnel should exercise caution in searches of suspects, vehicles, or places hidden from direct view. In the event of such an injury, the wound should be induced to bleed and washed with soap and water and medical attention should be sought. Risk of infection associated with open-wound and mucous-membrane (e.g., eyes, mouth, nose) exposures to contaminated blood are even lower than for needlestick-type injuries. Risks here can be minimized by establishing and following procedures for reducing exposure to blood and body fluids of all patients. While studies have shown that HIV in dried blood samples may remain active for more than 3 days, others suggest that the virus is rapidly inactivated by the drying process and other environmental conditions, and no cases of infection have been traced to exposure to dried blood, blood particles, or body fluids. Nonetheless, gloves, masks, and protective eyewear should be worn if there is likelihood of exposure. 14 notes.