MS-1572

You are working in the emergency department and are asked to take bloods from a 65-year-old man who has presented with shortness of breath and a cough. During the process of taking the patient’s blood, you sustain a needlestick injury. Following your hospital’s guidelines, you thoroughly irrigate the wound and inform occupational health. Upon reviewing the patient’s medical records, you discover that they were diagnosed with HIV 6 years ago.

What is the primary factor that determines your risk of HIV transmission in this scenario?