Novel Routes of Potential Hepatitis C Virus Transmission among People Who Inject Drugs: Secondary Blood Exposures Related to Injection Drug Use.

In multivariate logistic regression models, higher odds of blood on clothing in the last 30 days was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with lifetime positive HCV status, opioids as primary drug, injecting with others, sharing cookers, and receptive syringe sharing. Higher adjusted odds of blood on nearby surfaces in the last 30 days was significantly associated with lifetime positive HCV status, sharing cookers, and receptive syringe sharing. Native American race was associated with significantly lower adjusted odds of both outcome variables. Conclusions/Importance: Results indicate the relevance of physical and social micro-environments to the potential for blood exposures secondary to injection episodes. Individuals with chronic HCV seropositivity are potentially more likely to expose others to blood due to decreases in the blood's ability to clot. This highlights the need for increased HCV testing at harm reduction sites and increased supply of first aid and wound-care materials to help stop potential blood exposures after injection episodes.