|open tube of blood
Jun 9, 2001
how long would the hiv virus live in an open serum tube used in a laboratory? is the risk lessened if the blood is spun down and the contact is with the serum or plasma vs. the whole blood?
| Response from Ms. Breuer
Your question leaves out the key information: has the blood come into direct contact with a break in the skin or a mucous membrane? If not, there is no exposure. If it has, there is a potential exposure and the only truly reassuring answer is an HIV test. Serum or plasma is far less likely to be infectious than whole blood, but not risk-free. The test is the answer.
Get Email Notifications When This Forum Updates or Subscribe With RSS
This forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not rendering medical, mental health, legal or other professional advice or services. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, mental health, legal or other problem that requires advice, consult your own caregiver, attorney or other qualified professional.
Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither TheBody.com nor any advertiser is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.