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Infection Control · single question

HIV transmission rate from a needlestick injury with HIV-positive blood is approximately:

  1. 30%
  2. 1.8%
  3. 0.03%
  4. 0.3%
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Correct answer: D. 0.3%

  • A. 30% represents the approximate risk of HBV (hepatitis B) transmission from needlestick in an unvaccinated individual — not HIV.
  • B. 1.8% represents the approximate risk of HCV (hepatitis C virus) transmission from needlestick — not HIV.
  • C. 0.03% is the approximate risk from mucous membrane exposure, not percutaneous needlestick.
  • D. Correct. The average risk of HIV transmission from a single percutaneous needlestick exposure to HIV-positive blood is approximately 0.3% (3 per 1,000 exposures). This is the well-established CDC figure.

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