Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes

Floor and shoe sole

Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor.
After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to the office on my shoes.
I would like to ask: 1.
I have heard that once dried, there is no risk.
However, if the bodily fluids are still wet when brought back to the office floor, how long should I wait to ensure there is no infectious risk? (I am worried that the soles of my shoes may not dry easily when pressed against the floor.) 2.
If I touch the floor or the soles of my shoes a few hours later and then rub my eyes, is there a risk? 3.
Similarly, if I touch the floor or the soles of my shoes and then open a drawer to take out my glasses and goggles, is there a risk of transmission through the eyes? Thank you.

Chang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/24

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine

Dear readers,
1.
The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, herpes B virus infection, Hendra virus and Nipah virus infections, Lassa fever, Marburg virus hemorrhagic fever, and Ebola virus infection.
Unless laboratory specimens are handled, individuals will not contract these diseases.
2.
The principles for managing general patients, contacts, and surrounding environments are as follows:
A.
Clinical symptoms: Is there a fever (38°C)?
B.
Epidemiology: Is there a history of special contact within the 10 days prior to onset?
C.
Standard precautions: These are protective measures for healthcare workers and patients.
They apply to diseases transmitted through blood, body fluids (drainage, secretions), air, droplets, and contact.
These measures are applicable to all patients.
I.
Blood and body fluids: These are considered potentially infectious materials.
Any spillage of blood or body fluids should be immediately absorbed using strong absorbent disposable items such as tissues, gauze, or cotton balls, and then properly packaged in a plastic bag and disposed of in a trash bin to prevent secondary contamination.
Subsequently, disinfect with a solution of 0.3-0.6% bleach or other disinfectants, allowing it to sit for 20 minutes.
II.
Gloves: Gloves should be worn when handling a patient's urine, feces, nasal secretions, saliva, and vomit that may contain blood.
Even with gloves, hands should be washed after removal.
Wash hands before performing any healthcare procedures, and wear waterproof gloves made of latex, vinyl, or rubber, which should be discarded after use.
Indications for use include contact with a patient's blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or broken skin, during various venous and arterial punctures, handling items contaminated with a patient's blood or body fluids, and between contacts with different patients.
Always have gloves readily available for unexpected needs.
III.
Needle-stick injuries: Sharp objects such as needles or blades may contain small amounts of blood, potentially harboring HIV or hepatitis B virus.
In the event of a needle-stick injury, immediate action and reporting to relevant authorities are required, along with establishing a reporting system.
It is advised not to recap, bend, or break needles directly; instead, use recapping devices or safety-engineered needles.
IV.
Personal protection: Never share toothbrushes or razors, as they can easily transmit small amounts of blood to others.
Dispose of them carefully, wrapping them in paper before discarding.
Condoms containing body fluids must also be handled with care.
V.
Hand hygiene: This is the most effective technique for preventing person-to-person transmission.
It requires only running water and soap, taking at least 15 to 20 seconds to wash hands.
Times to wash hands include before preparing food, before meals, before breastfeeding, after using the restroom, before and after artificial insemination, before and after contact with patients, before all invasive medical procedures, after touching blood or body fluids, and after coughing or sneezing into hands.
Children should be assisted in establishing good hand hygiene practices to reduce pathogenic risk factors and maintain their health.
VI.
Handling of clothing and waste: All items and clothing used by patients should be uniformly handled.
Items contaminated with blood and body fluids are considered infectious waste.
Soiled bedding should be properly packaged before transport and washed with hot water and soap.
Laundry personnel should wear isolation gowns and gloves while sorting laundry, and masks should be used to prevent airborne particles.
If clothing has visible stains, rinse with cold water first to avoid setting the stain.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2016/04/24

More Info

When it comes to concerns about HIV transmission in a laboratory setting, particularly regarding contaminated floors and shoes, it's essential to understand the nature of HIV and its transmission routes. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus does not survive long outside the human body, and it becomes inactive once exposed to air, typically within minutes.

1. Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors: If bodily fluids containing HIV are present on the floor, the risk of transmission through shoes is extremely low. Once the fluid dries, the virus is rendered inactive. If the fluid is still wet, the risk of transmission is theoretically higher, but it is important to note that the likelihood of contracting HIV through contact with contaminated surfaces is very low. The virus does not survive well outside the body, and environmental factors such as temperature and exposure to air significantly reduce its viability. Therefore, if you are concerned about the time it takes for the fluid to dry, it is generally accepted that after about 10 minutes, the virus is no longer infectious. However, if you are in a high-risk environment, it is advisable to take precautions such as wearing appropriate footwear and ensuring that any spills are cleaned up promptly with disinfectants.

2. Touching Contaminated Surfaces and Rubbing Eyes: If you touch a contaminated surface and then rub your eyes, the risk of HIV transmission is negligible. The eyes are a mucous membrane, and while they can absorb fluids, the amount of virus that would need to be present to cause infection is significantly higher than what would typically be found on a shoe or floor. Additionally, the virus's ability to infect through the eyes is not well-documented and is considered an unlikely route of transmission. However, it is always a good practice to wash your hands thoroughly after handling potentially contaminated materials and before touching your face or eyes.

3. Risk of Transmission When Handling Eyewear: Similar to the previous point, if you touch your shoes or the floor and then handle your glasses or goggles, the risk of HIV transmission remains extremely low. The virus does not survive long on surfaces, and the likelihood of transferring an infectious dose to your eyes through this route is minimal. However, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands before touching your face or personal items, is essential in any laboratory setting.

In summary, while the concern about HIV transmission in a laboratory environment is valid, the actual risk from contaminated floors and shoes is very low. The key preventive measures include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks, ensuring proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and practicing good hand hygiene. If you have any specific concerns or if there are any incidents of exposure, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or an occupational health specialist for further guidance and support.

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