PSI Barbering Practice Exam

Which of the following bloodborne viruses can live on a surface outside the body for long periods of time?

1. HIV

2. Hepatitis

3. Syphilis

4. Herpes

The correct answer is: Hepatitis

Hepatitis B is the bloodborne virus that can survive outside the body on surfaces for extended periods. This virus can remain infectious on surfaces such as countertops, instruments, or even on used blades for as long as seven days. This resilience is a significant concern in environments like barbershops where there is potential exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. In comparison, while HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with blood and does not survive long outside the body (generally only a few hours), and syphilis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact rather than through surfaces, hepatitis can pose a more significant risk in communal settings due to its ability to persist and remain infectious. Herpes viruses, similar to HIV, do not survive as long outside of body fluids and are primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, hepatitis stands out as a critical focus for infection control in barbering and similar fields.