Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
HIV infection I went to the local health bureau for an HIV test on July 17th. Before the blood draw, I had a brief conversation with the doctor. The method used was a fingerstick rapid test (a purple square device was used to prick my fingertip). Since I was washing my hands at t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Since there have been clusters of hepatitis C cases in some medical institutions, there have been instances of needle reuse. If a needle is used for the first time but is old, there may be issues with infection. Safety needles, as the name implies, are designed for single use; on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
Understanding Low C3 Levels During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Low C3 complement levels? Due to being in the early stages of pregnancy (5 weeks), my doctor had me undergo multiple blood tests, and I just saw the results in my health record. My C3 level is only 87 mg/dL (the normal range is above 90). I already have Sjögren's syndrome, b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many reasons for a decrease in complement C3 levels. If it was previously normal and has now decreased, it may be related to immune system activation. If you have Sjögren's syndrome, it is indeed possible to have lower complement...[Read More] Understanding Low C3 Levels During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Tetanus Concerns After Minor Injuries: What You Need to Know
Concern about tetanus? I'm sorry, but I cannot provide medical advice. However, I can help translate your questions into English. 1. About three days ago, I fed my dog and didn't notice that there were feces on my hand. I accidentally popped a pimple, which bled a litt...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist regarding this issue. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Tetanus Concerns After Minor Injuries: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Effectiveness and Frequency of Immune System Tests
Immune system examination? Hello Doctor: I had an immune system blood test related to rheumatoid conditions last November, and all the values were normal at that time. I would like to ask how long the effectiveness of the immune system test lasts and how often I should have it do...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If your tests are all normal and you do not have any symptoms related to the immune system or rheumatic diseases, I believe routine follow-up may not be necessary. However, if you experience rheumatic symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, un...[Read More] Understanding the Effectiveness and Frequency of Immune System Tests
Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Dry mouth and tongue pain for many years without a definitive diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing symptoms of reduced saliva for about 30 years. She has seen dentists, rheumatologists, and family medicine doctors, and underwent a sublingual gauze test which c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My suggestions are as follows: 1. You may consider returning to a rheumatology clinic for evaluation. If necessary, a salivary gland biopsy may indeed be required, as sometimes the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome necessitates this examina...[Read More] Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Risks of Using IV Bags for Enemas: Health Concerns Explained
Using an IV bag to infuse water into the rectum for bowel evacuation? Hello doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. Everyone in the family has talked to her about this, but she won't listen. She is almost 60 years old, and recently she learned a strange way of using the ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Basically, if the water is contaminated, there is a risk of causing inflammation in the intestines if it is administered too deeply. However, if the water is clean, it is equivalent to an enema, and there are generally no significant side effects.[Read More] Risks of Using IV Bags for Enemas: Health Concerns Explained
Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists
Injury from an ampoule breakage? I am a pharmacist responsible for collecting used controlled substance vials from the wards. Today, I noticed that the bag used for collection was damaged, and an ampoule broke, causing a cut on my finger. I immediately squeezed the wound to expel...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If the medication bottle has not come into contact with anyone else's blood or bodily fluids, theoretically, it should not transmit any infectious diseases (since there is no source of infection). However, bacteria can still be present on the bottle, so caution is still need...[Read More] Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists
Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns
Vomiting with brown, stringy material? Hello Doctor: Since last night, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and nausea, but I only vomited this morning. After vomiting, I noticed that the yellow vomit contained brown, thread-like substances, and I am concerned it might be ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to confirm whether there is mild bleeding. In fact, during vomiting, the esophagus can sometimes stretch forcefully, which may lead to tearing and result in mild bleeding. If there is gastric bleeding, the vomit is typically tarry in appearance. It is advis...[Read More] Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Infection Issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions: About six months ago, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on both sides of my groin. Almost every node in that area has enlarged, with a few becoming elongated, measuring approximately 1 to 2...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, multiple enlarged lymph nodes usually indicate that there is some condition in the body, ranging from systemic infections, rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases, to hematologic malignancies. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic as soon as poss...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Infection and Parasites from Snail Contact
Infection and parasitic issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. If I accidentally kicked a snail while wearing flip-flops (and I'm not sure if my foot made direct contact with the snail), and afterwards I wiped my foot with a wet wipe, is there a concern about parasitic infection? 2. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. As long as there are no obvious wounds on the foot, it will not occur. 2. Yes, it can occur. Dupuytren's contracture is caused by repetitive irritation leading to chronic inflammation. Reducing the irritation is an important part of treatment, and you can consult a derm...[Read More] Concerns About Infection and Parasites from Snail Contact
Could My Symptoms Indicate Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Follow-Up Inquiry
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello Doctor: I have a few more questions. The pain I've been experiencing has decreased over the past few days, and my joints have never been swollen; the sharp pain lasts only a few seconds and disappears with slig...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I don't believe it is rheumatoid arthritis. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Follow-Up Inquiry
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Abnormal lymphocytes and leukocytes in blood test report? Hello, I went to the emergency room last November due to abdominal pain. I just checked my health records and saw the blood test report from that time, which showed three values highlighted in red: Neutrophil - 90.0%, Mono...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Dear commenter, based on the information you provided, the proportions of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in your blood report are 90.0%, 2.0%, and 7.5%, respectively. These values are slightly abnormal, as neutrophils typically range from 50-70%, monocytes from 2-10%, an...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Rheumatoid Arthritis? Hello, doctor. I tend to worry a lot about my health. Following my last examination, the results showed positive cryoglobulin test IgM (1+), positive fibrinogen RF 13.92 (normal range 0-6), Anti-CCP <4.6 (normal range 0-20), and E.C.P 38.8 (normal range 0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on your symptoms, I don't believe it resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Firstly, your rheumatoid factor (RF) is not significantly elevated, and your anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) levels are normal. Additionally, your symp...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Understanding Elevated Gamma-Globulin Levels: Potential Causes and Implications
Elevated γ-globulin levels? Hello, doctor. Previously, I was concerned about the possibility of having multiple myeloma. Later, I received some blood test results: FLC Lambda 11.89 (5.71-26.3) / FLC Kappa 14.45 (3.3-19.4) / FLC K/L 1.22 (0.25-1.65). The Kappa level of 14.45 (3.3-...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. It appears that your γ-globulin levels are elevated. Does this mean I have multiple myeloma? --> No. Infections or autoimmune diseases can also cause a slight increase. The manifestations of multiple myeloma are d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Gamma-Globulin Levels: Potential Causes and Implications
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, Doctor. I have a tendency towards anxiety and hypochondria. Last October, I visited a doctor because my fingers would stiffen when I was nervous, and I often experienced joint pain. Initially, I consulted a neurosurgeon who examined me and suggested th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Can the test results change from normal to abnormal after six months? --> Yes, changes may occur. 2. Does the doctor think it's necessary for me to see a rheumatologist again? --> Your symptoms are mild, s...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Anxiety and Joint Pain Connection
Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases Hello, doctor. Recently, blood tests revealed cold agglutinin IgM (1+) and another positive result for cold fibrinogen. I do not have hepatitis B or C, and my ALT and AST levels are normal. An abdominal MRI last June was normal, and an abdominal ultrasound in ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Nasal mucosal bleeding is likely unrelated to cryoglobulinemia, so there is no need to worry. I still recommend regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist, including monitoring for fatty liver and viral hepatitis. The Allergy, Immunology, and ...[Read More] Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders
Can My Son Continue Taking Salazopyrin for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can I continue taking Salazopyrin? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years. For the past year and 4 months, he has been taking 2 tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without NSAIDs). Previously, he was on NSAIDs (without Salazo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: 1) If my son experiences dizziness when getting up from a lying position due to mild anemia caused by the use of Salazopyrin, and no other causes for the dizziness can be identified, then we must weigh the two harms and c...[Read More] Can My Son Continue Taking Salazopyrin for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Positive ANA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Positive ANA test result? Hello, the results of your immunological tests show a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) with a titer of 1:40 and a pattern described as dense fine speckled. This indicates the presence of antinuclear antibodies, which can be associated with autoimmune ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This is considered normal, and you can follow up in six months or more. If any new rheumatic symptoms arise during this period, please return for an earlier consultation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital,...[Read More] Understanding Positive ANA Test Results: What You Need to Know
Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures
Blood test shows suspicion of hepatitis B and C, and HIV? I would like to ask the doctor about a situation during my blood draw. There was blood from a previous patient on the blood draw table. After I reminded the nurse about the blood on the table, she wiped it with an alcohol ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hepatitis B and HIV are primarily transmitted through blood. The risk of transmission is higher if you have an open wound on your hand that comes into contact with infected blood. However, once the virus leaves the human body, it does not survive for long. If there is no direct c...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures
Can You Contract HIV from Using Public Urinals?
Is there a risk of contracting HIV from contact with public restrooms? No, touching a urinal with the male genitalia does not pose a risk of HIV infection. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, and typic...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus is primarily transmitted through blood, and it does not survive well outside the human body, so your chances of contracting HIV are very low.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Using Public Urinals?