The risk of seroconversion after a needlestick exposure to HIV-infected blood is approximately?

The risk of seroconversion after a needlestick exposure to HIV-infected blood is approximately?

• A. 0.3%
• B. 3%
• C. 5%
• D. 10%

Answer: (A)

HIV transmission from a needlestick is a low-probability event, but it can happen. The best-supported estimate for percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected blood is about 0.3%, meaning roughly 3 in 1,000 exposures result in seroconversion. This baseline risk is why the number is much smaller than the other options. Factors such as the type of needle (hollow-bore needles pose a higher risk), depth of injury, and the source’s viral load can influence the actual risk, but the general figure centers on 0.3% as the typical per-exposure probability.

HIV transmission from a needlestick is a low-probability event, but it can happen. The best-supported estimate for percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected blood is about 0.3%, meaning roughly 3 in 1,000 exposures result in seroconversion. This baseline risk is why the number is much smaller than the other options. Factors such as the type of needle (hollow-bore needles pose a higher risk), depth of injury, and the source’s viral load can influence the actual risk, but the general figure centers on 0.3% as the typical per-exposure probability.