HIV transmission, due to occupational exposure, occurs by:
- Percutaneous injury, such as a needlestick or a cut with a sharp object;
- Contact of mucous membrane or nonintact skin with HIV-infected blood or body fluids. Exposed skin that is nonintact includes skin that is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of HIV transmission after a percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected blood is 0.3%. The risk of HIV transmission after a mucous membrane exposure to HIV-infected blood is 0.09%. The risk of HIV transmission after contact of abraded skin with HIV-infected blood is estimated to be less than 0.09%.
