Can You Lack Measles Antibodies After Vaccination?
Is it possible to not produce antibodies after receiving the measles vaccine? I need to provide proof of my measles antibodies because I am going to study in the United States. However, I couldn't find my vaccination record from childhood, so I went to the hospital to have a...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, vaccination does not guarantee lifelong immunity. In fact, it provides protection for a certain period of time (usually a long duration). In a small number of individuals, antibodies may wane and become undetectable. If you are studying abroad, you will need to provide pro...[Read More] Can You Lack Measles Antibodies After Vaccination?
Which Specialist Should I See for My Hand Tremors and Numbness?
I'm sorry, but I need the content you would like me About two years ago, I experienced hand tremors that made it impossible for me to write properly, which lasted for 6 to 7 months. The episodes disappeared, and I thought everything was fine. However, this year my hands star...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your issue seems to be related to a higher-level neurological problem, and I cannot address it in written form as it may cause you further distress. Generally, a neurological examination should be prioritized. If necessary, in addition to endocrine blood tests, a CT scan o...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for My Hand Tremors and Numbness?
Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help in Family Medicine
Is it considered a disease?! It seems that about a year or two ago, I started experiencing sudden chest tightness, making it difficult to breathe and causing rapid breathing. It felt like I was struggling to get air. Later on, it seemed to improve somewhat, but recently, I have s...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, your concerns can be explained in two aspects. The first issue may be related to arrhythmia or emotional chest tightness. If there is no family history of similar symptoms or heart disease, then based on your age, it is likely to be emotional chest tightness, which typical...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help in Family Medicine
Understanding Military Health Exams: Accuracy of STD Testing Explained
Regarding military service medical examinations? Hello doctor, I had sexual intercourse with someone around August and September of last year. I didn't have time to get a check-up and blood tests until I underwent a military physical examination in February and March of this...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
The currently used screening tools have a high accuracy rate, but it is important to understand the concept of the window period. It is recommended to conduct regular follow-ups. Of course, practicing safe behaviors remains the most important![Read More] Understanding Military Health Exams: Accuracy of STD Testing Explained
Do I Need a Large Hospital for Hepatitis B Blood Tests?
Hepatitis B Excuse me, I would like to ask if I need to go to a larger hospital for a hepatitis B blood test, or if a smaller clinic would suffice? A friend mentioned that many small clinics do not have the necessary equipment or procedures for this type of blood test and that sa...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Xiao Hei, please visit a hospital with family medicine or internal medicine departments to get tested for hepatitis B. The test will show whether the results for the antigen or antibody are negative or positive; there is no need for numerical values. You only need to take th...[Read More] Do I Need a Large Hospital for Hepatitis B Blood Tests?
Understanding Symptoms: Are Your Health Issues a Sign of Serious Problems?
Is there a problem with health? Hello, I am a 39-year-old male. Recently, I have been feeling very fatigued, and when I squat down and then stand up at the store, I experience severe dizziness and can barely stand. I often feel discomfort in my stomach and left abdomen (my abdome...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it could be a precursor to cancer, but it might also just be diabetes or a gastric ulcer. Since you are concerned, why not go ahead and get an examination? You can schedule an appointment with either family medicine or gastroenterology. Wishing y...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Are Your Health Issues a Sign of Serious Problems?
Should You Get Blood Tested After a Minor Injury?
Should I get a blood test? Last month, I had my eyebrows shaped at a department store and bled a little. The sales assistant said the eyebrow razor was taken out that day and should be quite new, but I suspect it may not be completely new. Should I get a blood test to check for a...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Tsai Yue-Fu of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: 1. In the case of a cut from an eyebrow razor, if it is a new blade that has not been used, there should be no risk of infectious disease transmission as long as the wound ...[Read More] Should You Get Blood Tested After a Minor Injury?
Understanding Elevated CPK Levels: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
What is CPK? Hello Dr. Lin, I had a blood test at a private laboratory on March 23 of this year, and the results showed the following: 1. SPOT: 332, SGPT: 793, CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase): 336 (of which CPK-MM is 100, and both BB and MB are zero), 4. Cholesterol: 237, 5. Trigly...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Dr. Tsai Yueh-Fu of the Family Medicine Department at Tainan Hospital, Executive Yuan Health Department: 1. Elevated CPK levels are commonly seen in conditions such as polymyositis, myocardial infarction, muscular dystrophy, and cerebrovascular diseases. Regional hospitals ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CPK Levels: Causes, Treatment, and Dietary Advice
Understanding EB Virus: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Tips
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing pain from two swollen lymph nodes in my neck for the past two to three months. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and my EBV result was 1:1000. What does this mean? I have heard that this virus can cause nasop...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Physician at Tainan Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, I would like to clarify a concept: over 80% of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma have elevated EBV titers in their blood; however, elevated EBV titers do not necessarily indicate that one has or is likely to ...[Read More] Understanding EB Virus: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Tips
Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: Seeking Answers for My Health Issues
My situation! Has anyone experienced this kind of situation? Recently, I haven't felt much about my body. I know I need to urinate, but I don't have the urge. I don't feel like sleeping at night and find it hard to fall asleep, but in the morning, I struggle to get...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Crown Prince Bingxin is now aware that you are overweight, which should be classified as obesity. This condition can lead to various health issues throughout the body. However, it is unclear whether you have always been overweight or if you have gained weight recently. I am not s...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Symptoms: Seeking Answers for My Health Issues
Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: What They Mean for You
Report of abnormal findings? I had a health check-up two weeks ago, and there were some abnormal findings in the report. Could you please provide an overview of what these results mean? The platelet size variation was 15.1% (this was not present in previous health check reports)....
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Lin Wen-Chin from the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare: 1. A complete blood test report is necessary to provide comprehensive recommendations. 2. A positive urine occult blood test has many possible causes, but it is essential...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Health Check Results: What They Mean for You
Understanding Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Advice for Symptoms
Dizziness Two days ago, I woke up in the morning and had a cup of hot chocolate. After sitting in front of the computer for about an hour, I decided to stand up and stretch. When I raised my hand to the highest point, my vision suddenly became blurry and I experienced a blackout....
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
Dear Miss Chang, I suspect that your dizziness may be caused by mild anemia, or it could simply be due to maintaining a fixed posture for too long, leading to a postural reflex. I recommend that you visit a family medicine clinic for a blood test. Additionally, after prolonged co...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Advice for Symptoms
Allergen Testing: Which Department to Visit and Cost Insights
Regarding allergen testing..? I have heard that blood tests can be done to check for allergens. Which department should I visit for this? Does health insurance cover this test, and if not, how much would it typically cost out of pocket?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, Xiaoxue: There are many items for allergen testing, and health insurance coverage is based on the disease diagnosis provided by the physician. I recommend consulting with a rheumatologist or dermatologist for assistance. If the hospital has family medicine or metabolic spe...[Read More] Allergen Testing: Which Department to Visit and Cost Insights
Understanding Blood Cancer Screening: Insights from a Health Seminar
Regarding the concentration screening for hematologic cancers (forwarded from the Director's mailbox)? Dear Sir/Madam, I attended a blood live testing seminar on Saturday, where a person claiming to be a chief physician from a certain hospital spoke for about 30 minutes bef...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Dear Mr. Huang, This is Dr. Hsu Li-Yao from the Family Medicine Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare. Essentially, the results of blood tests are related to your physiological state at the time of testing. The specific tests that can be conducted and t...[Read More] Understanding Blood Cancer Screening: Insights from a Health Seminar
Concerns About HIV Exposure from Handling Used Syringes
Questions about HIV/AIDS? Dear Doctor: I work in the court, and due to work requirements, I had to examine a syringe (needle) used by a drug offender who was arrested five months ago (in May 2005). This is evidence that I am responsible for safeguarding. If I accidentally came in...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhi: If you accidentally get punctured by a needle from an unknown source or one that is suspected to be high-risk for infection, it is advisable to visit an outpatient clinic for relevant blood tests as a precaution. Follow-up testing within six months is necessary. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Exposure from Handling Used Syringes
Understanding HIV Survival: Risks and Testing After Potential Exposure
Will this lead to an infection? 1. The HIV virus can survive in the air for a very short period, typically only a few minutes, as it is sensitive to environmental conditions. However, in blood, HIV can remain viable for several hours to days, depending on the conditions such as t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, 1. The survival rate of the HIV virus outside a living host is extremely low. 2. If you are concerned about accidental contact with unknown sources of blood, the risk of infection is low if there are no open wounds involved. 3. HIV infection can be screened through blo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Survival: Risks and Testing After Potential Exposure
Cost of Liver, Kidney, and Pancreas Tests: What to Expect
Examination Doctor, I would like to have tests for my liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Could you please tell me approximately how much the costs would be?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello Wei: The examination can be divided into two parts: blood tests and ultrasound examinations. The blood tests include liver function tests (GOT, GPT), kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine), hepatitis screening (HBsAg, anti-HCV), and other biliary system indices (rGT, ALP, ...[Read More] Cost of Liver, Kidney, and Pancreas Tests: What to Expect
Understanding Persistent Dizziness in Children: Causes and Solutions
The child has been experiencing persistent dizziness? My 8-year-old child has been experiencing dizziness for three weeks. We have seen an otolaryngologist and a neurologist, and blood tests have been conducted. The doctors have all said that my child seems to be in good spirits ...
Dr. Zhan Deqin Reply:
The letter mentions that the 8-year-old child has been experiencing dizziness for three weeks and has also been vomiting. The child has seen an otolaryngologist and a specialist in dizziness, but there has been no improvement in the condition. It is unclear whether a pediatric ne...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Dizziness in Children: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Causes of Elevated ESR Levels: A Guide for Patients
Inquire about the causes of elevated ESR levels? In the past two weeks, I have been continuously having blood tests, and my CRP levels have remained within the normal range, but my ESR levels have been consistently rising. I am unsure what could be causing the elevated ESR levels...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
CRP and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) are both related to inflammatory responses, but CRP is more sensitive than ESR during inflammation. Therefore, in general clinical practice, CRP can replace ESR. Both markers can show positive results in various infectious diseases, rh...[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Elevated ESR Levels: A Guide for Patients
Understanding White Blood Cell Count and Body Temperature Concerns
White blood cell count and body temperature issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask two questions. 1. In my routine blood tests over the past few years, my white blood cell count has consistently ranged between 4200 and 4800. However, in a recent blood test conducted a few d...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Huang Chin-Fen: A white blood cell count of 6,000 is within the normal range and does not require concern. Generally, conditions such as acute or chronic infections, tissue damage, malignant tumors, rheumatoid diseases, and pregnancy can lead to an increase in white blood cell co...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Count and Body Temperature Concerns