Infection Control · single question
Which of the following bodily fluids has the highest risk of viral (HIV) transmission?
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Correct answer: D. Blood
Blood carries the highest concentration of HIV virus particles per unit volume. The risk of HIV transmission per exposure event is highest with blood (via needlestick ~0.3%, blood transfusion ~90%). Amniotic fluid carries risk during delivery. Saliva has very low HIV concentration and is considered low risk for transmission. Tears have negligible HIV content and are extremely low risk.
- A. INCORRECT. Amniotic fluid can transmit HIV during childbirth (vertical transmission) but has lower viral load than blood and carries less risk per unit volume.
- B. INCORRECT. Saliva contains very low levels of HIV, and the risk of transmission through saliva is extremely low (no documented cases of HIV transmission through casual saliva contact in dentistry).
- C. INCORRECT. Tears contain negligible HIV concentrations and pose essentially no transmission risk.
- D. CORRECT. Blood has the HIGHEST concentration of HIV and poses the greatest risk of transmission. Blood-to-blood contact (e.g., needlestick, blood transfusion) carries the highest transmission risk.
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