Why Do Blood Genetic Test Results Take Almost a Month?
Blood genetic testing Hello, doctor. Why does it take almost a month to receive the test results?
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, could you please provide detailed information about the examination items? Generally, genetic-related tests may take approximately 7 to 14 business days, depending on the specific tests required. The exact testing timeline can only be determined based on the specific items...[Read More] Why Do Blood Genetic Test Results Take Almost a Month?
Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Cauliflower/HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Eight years ago, I had genital warts, which were treated over six months, and I received three doses of the nine-valent HPV vaccine. It has been eight years without a recurrence. I would like to know what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to inform you that I am a patient with myasthenia gravis. I am currently taking four tablets of Mestinon daily and one tablet of Anspine weekly. Here are my questions: Since mid-September, I have been infected wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, we are currently in the era of COVID-19, so it is essential to rule out this possibility by conducting a self-administered rapid test and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (at least four doses are recommended). 2. Secondly, the side effects of medications should also be c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood tra...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Understanding Enlarged Fingers in Teens: Causes and When to Seek Help
Swelling of the fingers? Hello, Doctor Hsieh. I would like to ask about my 16-year-old daughter. The joints at the base of her four fingers, except for the thumb, are noticeably swollen compared to the other two segments, resembling a bottle shape. However, she has normal movemen...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If your fingers on both hands have recently become swollen, it is advisable to visit a hospital for an examination to determine the cause. It is recommended to first consult a family medicine physician. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Enlarged Fingers in Teens: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Infection from Old Needles Found on Beaches
Infection concerns? Hello, Doctor. I have a question I would like to ask you. Recently, I have been looking into environmental issues, and I came across an article stating that there is quite a bit of needle waste on the beaches. I would like to ask, if someone accidentally gets ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, viruses cannot survive for a long time outside the human body. However, if you are injured by a needle found on the beach, it is impossible to determine how long that needle has been there or whether there are still viruses present. Therefore, as a precautio...[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Old Needles Found on Beaches
Understanding Elevated Basophil Levels: Allergies and Blood Health in Young Adults
Eosinophils Hello Doctor, I am Enen from the article #188677. Thank you for your prompt response, but I still have some doubts that I would like to ask you again: 1. You mentioned that elevated basophil levels are related to allergies. Given that I recently had a cold and have ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. You mentioned that elevated basophil levels are related to allergies. Given that I recently had a cold and have a history of allergies, could this cause my basophil levels to be elevated? In 2020, my basophil count wa...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Basophil Levels: Allergies and Blood Health in Young Adults
Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Interpret X-rays Differently?
Is there a difference between a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon when interpreting bone X-rays? Dear Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, I have developed pain in my lower back when leaning backward, but I do not experience pain when bending for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can a general rheumatologist identify signs of a mild spinal arch fracture on an X-ray? (Isn't it more likely for an orthopedic surgeon to interpret bone X-rays?) --> I believe both specialties can, as well a...[Read More] Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Interpret X-rays Differently?
Understanding the Clinical Significance of PL-7 and MDA5 Antibodies
Antibody positivity concerns? The recent blood test report is as follows: RF IgM, Ro-52 (-), SAE1 (-), SRP (-), TIF1γ (-), EJ (-), Jo-1 (-), Ku (-), MDA5 (+-), Mi-2α (-), Mi-2β (-), NXP2 (-), OJ (-), PL-12 (-), PL-7 (++), PM-Scl100 (-), PM-Scl75 (-). Could you please explain th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This is a testing kit designed to conduct more tests at a lower cost, so the results are qualitative in nature. The aim is to provide your physician with guidance for further testing, so the results may not be entirely accurate. PL-7 and MDA5 ar...[Read More] Understanding the Clinical Significance of PL-7 and MDA5 Antibodies
Does Frequent Masturbation Affect Facial Appearance?
Does masturbation affect facial structure? Hello, doctor. Would frequent masturbation starting from elementary school (about once a day from middle school) have an impact on facial appearance (causing disfigurement)? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
No, there is no research indicating a relationship between masturbation and facial appearance.[Read More] Does Frequent Masturbation Affect Facial Appearance?
How to Help Someone Choking on Saliva: Emergency Tips for Families
Choking on saliva? Hello, after an elder in the family choked on saliva, they coughed violently until their face turned red, then their eyes rolled back and they fainted, becoming limp and unresponsive in the chair. Fortunately, after several seconds, they finally regained consci...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that if elderly individuals have excessive saliva, they should lie on their side to allow the saliva to flow out, which can help prevent choking. Additionally, you can prepare a pulse oximeter at home to monitor the oxygen levels of the elderly. You may a...[Read More] How to Help Someone Choking on Saliva: Emergency Tips for Families
Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Understanding Platelet Count Fluctuations in Patients on Warfarin Therapy
Rate of platelet decline Hello Dr. Gao, My family member has been taking Warfarin and had a blood test around November 10th, where the platelet count dropped to 61,000. Earlier this year, when they were hospitalized, the doctor mentioned that the platelet count was low, around ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I understand that some values can fluctuate. Is this range of variation still acceptable? --> I believe it should be monitored further. 2. Can an overdose of the anticoagulant Warfarin that my mother is taking ...[Read More] Understanding Platelet Count Fluctuations in Patients on Warfarin Therapy
Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Blood infection After acupuncture, if there are small wounds on the body, is there a concern for bloodborne infections when using electrodes for electrical stimulation and reusing cupping jars? Is there a risk of hepatitis B and HIV transmission?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as the acupuncture needles are not reused and other treatment methods are followed, there should not be a risk of bloodborne infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Medication-related issues Hello Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis, and I am currently taking 1000 mg of Celebrex daily. I would like to ask you: 1) If I contract an infection, should I continue taking Celebrex? If I need to stop, how long should I refrain from taking it? 2) I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. If infected, you can continue taking Celecoxib. 2. In your situation, Paxlovid may not be necessary. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is it because I have anemia that my ESR is often elevated? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed for over 2 years. Recently, for the past 7 months, I have been taking Salazopyrin, and during my last two follow-up visits,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 13.5 to 14.5 are not the cause of abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), as ESR can be influenced by many factors in the body. 2. C-reactive protein (CRP) is more important than ESR for monitoring ankylosing spondylitis; symptoms and X-rays a...[Read More] Understanding High ESR Levels in Anemia and Ankylosing Spondylitis
New Treatment Options for MDS: Can Patients Access Insurance Coverage?
Are there new drugs available for the treatment of MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndromes)? Hello, doctor! My current white blood cell count is 1600, hemoglobin is between 6 and 7, and platelet count is 9000. I am a patient with MDS. For the past two to three months, platelet transfusion...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It seems that MDS patients cannot apply for health insurance coverage for thrombopoietin. It is recommended to consult a hematology outpatient physician for further inquiries. Thank you for your question.[Read More] New Treatment Options for MDS: Can Patients Access Insurance Coverage?
Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Saleran significantly reduces CRP levels; can increasing the dosage also lead to a significant decrease in ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old and have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was t...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. There are many bodily factors that can cause elevated ESR, and inflammation is just one of them. Increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin to 3 or 4 tablets per day may be worth trying, but it may not necessarily be effective. 2. Mild anemia is unlikely to cause such a high ESR. Th...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrin Dosage Improve ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?
Can allergies cause an increase in ESR? Hello Doctor: My son is 20 years old and has had allergies since childhood. Over two years ago, he was also diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. He is currently taking two capsules of Salazopyrin daily. In the early stages of the disease,...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons that can cause elevated ESR levels, and inflammation is just one of them. Allergies do not necessarily lead to increased ESR, especially if other values are normal. If you have any questions, you can consult your attending physician. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Does Allergies Affect Elevated ESR Levels in Young Adults?