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HIV needle-stick RASP

Stratifies HIV transmission risk after an occupational exposure.

HIV needle-stick RASP
Source population
Type of inoculum
Route of transmission
Volume of inoculum
Result~1 in 3333

Risk between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 - discuss two-drug prophylaxis.

Estimated transmission risk
0.0300 %
Odds
~1 in 3333

When to use

  • Framing HIV transmission risk and the case for post-exposure prophylaxis after a needle-stick or splash exposure.

Formula

Risk = volume factor / (source factor x fluid factor x route factor). Lower factor values mean higher risk; the reference asymptomatic-source, fresh-blood, deep-percutaneous exposure approximates the classic ~0.3% needlestick risk.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • A heuristic index that predates routine viral-load data; an undetectable source viral load makes transmission very unlikely.
  • Always start prophylaxis decisions from local occupational-health guidance.

References

  1. Vertesi L. CJEM. 2003;5(1):46-8.