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Infection Control · single question

What is the approximate transmission rate of HIV per needlestick injury with HIV-infected blood?

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

  • A. 3% is not the established CDC figure for needlestick transmission.
  • B. The average risk of HIV transmission per needlestick/sharps injury with HIV-positive blood is approximately 0.3% (3 in 1,000 exposures). This is the CDC-established transmission rate for percutaneous exposure.
  • C. 1.8% is closer to the transmission risk per mucosal exposure to HIV-positive blood — higher than needlestick.
  • D. 30% is approximately the sexual transmission rate per unprotected intercourse with an infected partner in some high-risk scenarios — NOT needlestick.

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