Table 1: Summary of CDC recommendations for HIV postexposure prophylaxis[3]
Type of exposure	Action*
Massive percutaneous exposure (e.g., deep injury with large-bore needle previously in source patient's vein or artery) or exposure to lesser amount of blood with high HIV titre	Recommend: AZT (200 mg 3 times daily) and 3TC (150 mg twice daily) with or without IDV†
Massive percutaneous exposure (as above) to blood with high HIV titre	Recommend: AZT (200 mg 3 times daily) and 3TC (150 mg twice daily) and IDV (800 mg 3 times daily)‡
Percutaneous exposure to lesser amount of blood with low titre, to fluid containing visible blood or to other potentially infectious fluid (semen; vaginal, cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial or amniotic fluid) or tissue	Offer: AZT (200 mg 3 times daily) and 3TC (150 mg twice daily)
Mucous membrane or high-risk skin exposure§ to blood	Offer: AZT (200 mg 3 times daily) and 3TC (150 mg twice daily) with or without IDVH
Mucous membrane or high-risk skin exposure to fluid containing visible blood or other potentially infectious fluid or tissue	Offer: AZT (200 mg 3 times daily) with or without 3TC
Percutaneous, mucous membrane or skin exposure to other body fluid (e.g., urine)	Do not offer prophylaxis
*AZT = zidovudine, 3TC = lamivudine, IDV = indinavir. †Possible toxicity of the other drug may outweigh benefit. ‡If IDV is not available saquinavir (600 mg 3 times daily) may be substituted. §High-risk skin exposure = high HIV titre in source patient; prolonged contact; extensive area involved; skin integrity compromised.

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