Red blood cells, Family Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cells and Platelets: Causes and Solutions

Blood report Hello Doctor: Recently, I received my blood test results: W.B.C 5360/µL (normal), R.B.C 554 x 10^4/µL (slightly elevated), Hb 15.6 g/dL (normal), Ht 47.1% (normal), MCV 85 fL (normal), MCH 28.2 pg (normal), MCHC 33.1 g/dL (normal), Platelet 402,000/µL (slightly eleva...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based solely on the numbers, there may not be significant abnormalities. However, a comprehensive evaluation of the related systems is necessary to reach a complete conclusion. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnosti...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cells and Platelets: Causes and Solutions


Understanding Fluctuations in HbA1c Levels: A Month of Concerns

There is significant fluctuation in glycated hemoglobin levels within a month? Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions despite your busy schedule. In my family, aside from my parents, my aunts, uncles, and both sets of grandparents have diabetes, so I a...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! First, you should understand that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of average blood glucose levels over the past three months, so testing on different dates reflects average blood glucose status during different periods. Any factors that affect calorie intake an...

[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in HbA1c Levels: A Month of Concerns


Conflicting Diabetes Advice: Who Should You Trust for Your Health?

I'm not sure whose advice to follow? Previously, I visited a nearby major hospital's endocrinology department due to thyroid issues. The doctor conducted blood tests and a urinalysis, and while my thyroid function was normal, my hemoglobin A1c was 6.5%. However, my fast...


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Lisa, Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is formed by the binding of glucose to hemoglobin in the blood. The average lifespan of red blood cells is 120 days, so glycated hemoglobin reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. Daily fluctuations in blood ...

[Read More] Conflicting Diabetes Advice: Who Should You Trust for Your Health?


Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights and Recommendations

Health Check Report Height: 173.1 cm, Weight: 73.2 kg. Below are the results from the company health check in September 2023, with red flags noted in the report provided in October. I would like to inquire about the doctor's recommendations and understand my health status. T...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
It is recommended to bring your health check-up report to the family medicine outpatient consultation. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Your Health Check Report: Key Insights and Recommendations


Understanding Persistent High Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Advice

Elevated body temperature? Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing elevated body temperature for about three months. Initially, it was occasional, but recently it has become more frequent, reaching around 37 degrees Celsius almost every day, even while resting indoors. I also exp...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Xiao Mao: Due to the many factors that can affect body temperature, such as gender and occupational status, it is recommended that you consult with a family medicine specialist for evaluation. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Persistent High Body Temperature: When to Seek Medical Advice


Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?

Blood test WBC White Blood Cells: 5.2 RBC Red Blood Cells: 5.65 HB Hemoglobin: 11 HCT Hematocrit: 34.8 MCH Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin: 19.5 MCV Mean Corpuscular Volume: 61.6 MCHC Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration: 31.6 PLT Platelets: 577 MPV Mean Platelet...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the results of a complete blood count (CBC) are not static and can vary based on individual physiological conditions. Clinically, it is not appropriate to draw conclusions based solely on certain numbers. If you have concerns, it is advisable to consult your family physici...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?


Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?

Blood test report I often experience dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness, so I had a blood test done today. Could you please tell me if there are any issues with the lab report? Lab report: - White Blood Cell Count: 12,410 - Red Blood C...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report shows two main issues: 1. Severe microcytic anemia, which may require consideration of iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. 2. Elevated white blood cell count with increased neutrophils and decreased lymphocytes, which may raise concerns about pos...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?


Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help

Identifying the source of hematuria? My father recently experienced hematuria, and despite family urging him to seek medical attention, he has been unwilling to do so, which has made us very upset. He described his hematuria as being a deep red color and stated that it was consis...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Poisoning or rhabdomyolysis can lead to dark or red-colored urine; however, the term hematuria specifically refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine. Gross hematuria is visible to the naked eye, while microscopic hematuria is detected under a microscope. 2. The...

[Read More] Understanding Blood in Urine: Causes, Concerns, and When to Seek Help


Impact of Recent Blood Donation on HbA1c Test Accuracy

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Is it accurate to test glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) less than two weeks after donating 500 cc of blood?


Dr. Liu Hongxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Louis: Glycated hemoglobin is a compound formed by the binding of hemoglobin in red blood cells to glucose, serving as a reference standard for the average plasma glucose concentration over a period of time (approximately 3 months). Therefore, conditions such as anemia ...

[Read More] Impact of Recent Blood Donation on HbA1c Test Accuracy


Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Causes and Solutions

Elevated red blood cells and platelets? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to inquire about the reasons for my elevated red blood cell (RBC) and platelet counts over the past three years. Can these values be improved on my own? Here are my annual test results: —2022 RBC 5.58 (10^6/uL) P...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. In the case of red blood cells, we typically also assess hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) for a comprehensive evaluation. An elevated red blood cell count may be due to conditions such as thalassemia or polycythemia. 2. If platelet counts are elevated a...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Red Blood Cell and Platelet Counts: Causes and Solutions


Understanding High Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (PDW) and Its Implications

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) The platelet distribution width (PDW) test result shows 15.3. Is this considered high? How can it be improved? What does the platelet distribution width mean?


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, PDW refers to Platelet Distribution Width, which is used to determine platelet size and can provide information about the distribution of platelet sizes. It can also detect conditions related to varying platelet sizes. Different laboratories may have slightly different ref...

[Read More] Understanding High Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (PDW) and Its Implications


Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment: Causes and Next Steps

Abnormal urine sediment? Dear Doctor, I recently underwent urine and blood tests along with an abdominal ultrasound, and there are two abnormalities: 1. Abdominal ultrasound: The doctor mentioned "chronic changes" in the kidney area. 2. Urine sediment examination: The r...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. An abdominal ultrasound showing chronic kidney changes typically indicates that kidney function has been affected. It is essential to identify the underlying causes of the impaired kidney function, which are commonly diabetes, hypertension, etc. 2. A urinalysis generall...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment: Causes and Next Steps


Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Slow Hemoglobin Recovery and Treatment Duration

Anemia and Iron Supplement Issues On August 23, the blood test report showed Hb: 9.9, MCV: 68.9, serum iron: 14, and ferritin: 1.21, indicating iron deficiency anemia. After taking iron supplements (ferrous gluconate) for about one and a half months, the blood test on October 15 ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: In addition to iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia, it is important to identify the underlying causes of chronic blood loss that may be contributing to the anemia. Given your age, a common cause could be heavy menstrual bleeding. Generally, iron supplementation...

[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Slow Hemoglobin Recovery and Treatment Duration


Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell and Eosinophil Counts: What to Do Next?

White blood cell-related issues..? Hello Dr. Lin, I previously consulted you regarding related issues, and I appreciate your response. ================== Below are the blood test results from March ================== WBC (White Blood Cells) Report: 16.47 (Reference Range: 3....


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: According to your test results, your white blood cell count and eosinophil levels have been elevated for some time, but there has been no continuous worsening of your condition. If you are not experiencing any significant discomfort, you may consider monitoring and observa...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell and Eosinophil Counts: What to Do Next?


Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: What Your Blood Test Results Mean

Hello: Please determine if the following data indicates leukocytosis? Hello Doctor: May I ask if the following data indicates leukocytosis? I have blood tests every three to four months. When reviewing the report, the doctor mentioned that this data is similar to the data from th...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the abnormal results from your blood test, you indeed have an issue with elevated white blood cell counts. Additionally, upon closer examination of your white blood cell differential, there is a suspicion of eosinophilia, which may be associated with allergies, i...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: What Your Blood Test Results Mean


High Glycated Hemoglobin with Normal Blood Sugar: Is It Prediabetes?

Is a high level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with normal blood glucose levels indicative of prediabetes? I have been taking antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications for many years, and I have blood tests every three months. In January, the abnormal results included t...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, dear mother: A glycated hemoglobin level between 5.8 and 6.4 can be classified as prediabetes. Please continue to maintain a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise, and make sure to have regular follow-ups at the outpatient clinic. Additionally, the presence of abnor...

[Read More] High Glycated Hemoglobin with Normal Blood Sugar: Is It Prediabetes?


Understanding White Blood Cell Differential Counts: What Do Red Dots Mean?

White blood cell differential count Hello Doctor, I recently had a blood test, and the total white blood cell count was normal. Other differential counts such as Lymphocytes (LYM), Monocytes (MON), Eosinophils (EOS), and Basophils (BASO) were also within the normal range. However...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the interpretation of your test results, it is advisable to have a comprehensive and holistic assessment. We recommend that you return to the outpatient clinic and discuss further with your original treating physician, as well as confirm your complete test report...

[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Differential Counts: What Do Red Dots Mean?


Understanding Recent Ultrasound Findings: Spleen Tumor and Blood Abnormalities

Recent abdominal ultrasound showed a tumor in the spleen and abnormalities in the blood? Hello, doctor. In the past ten years of health check-ups, I have had low levels of red blood cells (including hematocrit and hemoglobin), which were evaluated as suspected thalassemia gene, a...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it is recommended that you first visit a gastroenterologist for a follow-up. If the blood test results show that your hemoglobin levels are below 10 g/dL, please consult a hematologist.

[Read More] Understanding Recent Ultrasound Findings: Spleen Tumor and Blood Abnormalities


Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Ideal Levels and Diabetes Risk

Glycated hemoglobin Hello doctor, may I ask about glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)? The standard value is 4-5.6%. Does this mean that the closer the value is to 4, the better the condition? And the closer it gets to 5.6, the closer it is to prediabetes? Thank you.


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! According to current standards, a hemoglobin A1c level of 4.0-5.6% is considered normal, while 5.7-6.4% indicates prediabetes. Variations in red blood cells can lead to falsely low values, so it is not appropriate to assess disease status based solely on a single test resu...

[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Ideal Levels and Diabetes Risk


Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients

Blood test examination The blood test results show atypical lymphocytes at 3.72 and nucleated red blood cells at 0.1. The report indicates that further examination by a hematologist is necessary. What do these two simultaneous abnormalities mean? Are these values considered high?...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, online user: It is difficult to assess a blood report based solely on a single abnormal value; it requires interpretation in conjunction with other factors. I recommend that you consult with a physician in the Family Medicine department for further advice. Wishing you good...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: A Guide for Patients


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