Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks
Questions about blood collection assistive devices? Hello, doctor! Today I took my wife for a prenatal check-up and noticed that the staff used a blood draw assist device. Upon inquiry, I learned that the device is reusable. Although the needle and the tubing are new, I am concer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, assistive devices should not come into contact with the needle and should not have any blood residue on them. Therefore, the infection risk they pose should be similar to that of the rubber band tied above the injection site. If there is noticeable blood contamination, the...[Read More] Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks
Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Vasculitis issues I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. On June 26, I visited a dermatologist who ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. The urine test results were all normal. A...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The ANCA test performed at a general laboratory can initially determine the presence of ANCA, and there is usually no need to specifically test for c-ANCA and p-ANCA unless the ANCA result is positive, at which point differentiation is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Is Febuxostat a Better Alternative to Allopurinol for High Uric Acid?
Consultation on Uric Acid Lowering Medications Hello Doctor, I have been taking allopurinol for a long time due to high uric acid levels. Recently, during a company-mandated health check at a designated clinic, the physician there mentioned that allopurinol places a greater burde...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
As long as it can lower uric acid and has no side effects, it's considered a good medication. Currently, there is no research indicating that Febuxostat is better than Allopurinol. If uric acid levels are stable, it is advisable to continue the current medication without swi...[Read More] Is Febuxostat a Better Alternative to Allopurinol for High Uric Acid?
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lower abdominal pain? I have been experiencing a dull ache and some bloating in my lower abdomen since last night. I vomited once around noon, which provided some temporary relief, but the discomfort returned shortly after. Is it normal to feel a heartbeat around my navel area?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many causes of abdominal pain, and it requires a specialist for differential diagnosis. If the situation is urgent, please go to the emergency room; otherwise, you can visit a gastroenterology outpatient clinic. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Drinking Concerns: Muscle Sensations and Recovery Tips
Issues After Drinking Alcohol Hello Doctor, I had dinner with my colleagues tonight and drank about three bottles of beer, approximately 1800ml. Although I only feel slightly intoxicated, after taking a shower at home, I noticed a strange sensation in my right calf muscle. It fee...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
You may rest more and observe your condition, or visit the internal medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Post-Drinking Concerns: Muscle Sensations and Recovery Tips
Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Scleroderma and Urinary Microalbumin Hello, in April of this year, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department due to hand pain and found the following abnormalities: ANA 1:160 (AC-10) Nucleolar punctate, Anti-Scl-70 16 (-) reference value (120 au/ml), Anti-Sm 9 (-), Ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The results from your rheumatology examination are mostly negative, with some results falling into a gray area, making it indeed difficult to draw conclusions based on the current test results. The diagnosis of scleroderma can sometimes be confi...[Read More] Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Understanding the Risk of HIV: Should You Get Tested After Years?
Is there a chance of contracting HIV? Hello doctor, I recently went to the hospital for a check-up in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to weight loss and pain in the upper right abdomen. After a blood test, my Neutrophil count was 75.4 and Lymphocyte count wa...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV: Should You Get Tested After Years?
Could Thyroid Issues Be Behind Your Ongoing Health Problems?
Is it possible to have a thyroid problem? Hello, doctor. I am a recent college graduate, and I have been troubled by various issues since middle school, such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, rapid heartbeat, frequent muscle cramps, and occasional swelling of my eyes. Additionally, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you first consult with a family medicine specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could Thyroid Issues Be Behind Your Ongoing Health Problems?
Concerns About Dog Scratches on an Existing Wound: Risks and Care
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a wound on my calf that looks like it was either bitten by a mosquito or scratched due to itching. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few days ago, my dog suddenly jumped on me and...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, unless your dog has rabies, there is a chance of transmitting rabies to you. Therefore, please regularly take your pets to the veterinarian for health check-ups and necessary vaccinations. Open wounds can allow various bacteria to enter and cause infections, so it is advis...[Read More] Concerns About Dog Scratches on an Existing Wound: Risks and Care
Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Second diagnosis of kidney issues (proteinuria)? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed for the second time about two weeks ago (one year after my first diagnosis). Although I tested negative by the fifth day, I noticed that I have been experiencing foamy urine since then. I found some a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased from 108 to 112, both within the normal range, showing no signs of sudden impairment. Vaccination and infections can trigger the production of antibodies to protect against foreign viral invasions. Antibodies are a type of protein, and i...[Read More] Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor! Last year, I visited the hospital due to a urinary tract infection. After reviewing my urinalysis report, the urologist indicated that my proteinuria was elevated and recommended follow-up with a nephrologist. Since then, I have had five urinalysis ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Question 1: With normal urine and blood reports but abnormal ultrasound indicating bilateral parenchymal kidney disease, does this indicate Stage 1 CKD or has kidney function already been gradually impaired? (The physician only mentioned to return in six months for urine testing ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. At the beginning of this year, I started experiencing pain in my knee joint and consulted a rheumatologist who performed a physical examination and said everything was fine. La...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that after the onset of joint symptoms followed by neurological symptoms, it is advisable to: 1. Return to the rheumatology department for a reevaluation by the physician. Rheumatic diseases can present with both joint and neurologica...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Subcutaneous ecchymosis of the calf? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. I visited a dermatologist on June 26, where the doctor ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, Creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. Th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have researched that one type of vasculitis is classified as ANCA-associated, which can present with symptoms such as sinusitis. I have been diagnosed recently and occasionally experience yellow nasal discharge tha...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Understanding HIV Transmission: Risks of Contact with Infected Fluids
HIV exposure and infection? 1. In normal, unbroken skin, contact with the saliva, sweat, urine, or blood of an HIV-infected individual does not pose a risk of infection. 2. If there is a wound present, there is a potential risk of infection from contact with the blood of an HIV...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the HIV virus dies outside the human body after more than ten minutes and becomes non-infectious. 2. Therefore, unless the patient is irregularly taking their medication and we come into contact with them while having an open bleeding wound, there is a chance of infecti...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Risks of Contact with Infected Fluids
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood or Semen?
Exposure to HIV infection If intact skin (without any wounds) comes into contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the HIV virus dies outside the human body after more than ten minutes and is no longer infectious. 2. Therefore, unless the patient is irregular with their medication and we come into contact with them while having an open bleeding wound, there is a chance of infection.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood or Semen?
Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact with Infected Bodily Fluids?
Indirect contact with HIV If your hands have come into contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual and you did not wash your hands before touching your own male genitalia, is there a risk of infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the HIV virus dies outside the human body after more than ten minutes and is no longer infectious. 2. Therefore, unless the patient is irregular with their medication and we come into contact with them while having an open bleeding wound, there is a chance of infection.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact with Infected Bodily Fluids?
Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact in the Restroom?
Indirect contact with HIV in restrooms? If a person's hand has come into contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual and they did not wash their hands before touching their own male genitalia while urinating, is there a risk of infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Theoretically, there is a risk, but the chance of contracting the disease from a single exposure is low. It is still advisable to avoid unnecessary contact with others involving blood or bodily fluids.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact in the Restroom?
Why Is My Blood Draw Site Itchy? Understanding Possible Causes
Itching at the site of a blood draw? Hello, doctor. I had blood drawn at the hospital yesterday, and since last night, the site of the blood draw has been very itchy. I noticed that before my blood draw, the nurse directly touched the urine collection containers of other patients...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
No, it shouldn't be! It is likely due to the healing of the blood draw site causing itching, or it could be an allergic reaction to the cotton or adhesive tape used.[Read More] Why Is My Blood Draw Site Itchy? Understanding Possible Causes
Unexplained Bruising on Legs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Suddenly developing many small bruises that are not very painful? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I noticed several small bruises on my right leg, all near the knee and the shin bone. Today, I suddenly saw that my left leg has also started to show unexplained bruises, about five or six ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you bruise easily, you can consult a hematologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Legs: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Finger joint pain This year, I suddenly experienced pain in the second joint of my right middle finger, so I went to the hospital to see an orthopedic doctor. After an X-ray, the doctor said there was no issue and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, but there was no improvem...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to follow up with the rheumatology outpatient clinic. Some types of arthritis cannot be diagnosed with just one visit; they require observation over a period of time, and blood tests may need to be repeated if necessary. Additi...[Read More] Understanding Finger Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options