Essential Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Complete Guide
What tests should be conducted for hepatitis B carriers? I have been a carrier since birth due to my mother and am planning to go to the hospital for a check-up (this is my first time proactively seeking an examination). What specific tests should I request from the doctor to ens...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! You should at least know your e antigen, e antibody, GOT (AST), GPT (ALT), AFP, and abdominal ultrasound results.[Read More] Essential Tests for Hepatitis B Carriers: A Complete Guide
Understanding Hepatitis C: Questions on Diagnosis, Transmission, and Treatment
Hepatitis C-related issues Hello Doctor: My husband donated blood about ten years ago, and afterward, the blood donation center sent a notification stating that my husband tested positive for hepatitis C surface antibodies. Since then, my husband has consistently had GOT and GPT ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Doctor: My husband donated blood about ten years ago, and afterward, the blood donation center sent a notification stating that he tested positive for hepatitis C surface antibodies. Since then, his GOT and GPT levels have consistently been around 20. He does not smoke or ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C: Questions on Diagnosis, Transmission, and Treatment
Can I Safely Stop Taking Gan An Neng While Trying to Conceive?
Currently taking Danazol, but eager to conceive? Dr. Chen: Hello! Last year, my GOT and GPT levels were elevated, and my doctor indicated signs of liver inflammation, recommending that I take Danazol. After one month of treatment, my GOT and GPT levels significantly decreased, an...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss; the timing to consider stopping treatment is when the E antigen turns from positive to negative (for more than 16 months). Please discuss this with your physician. It is safest to wait at least 6 months after stopping treatment before attempting to conceive, but clos...[Read More] Can I Safely Stop Taking Gan An Neng While Trying to Conceive?
Is Elevated AFP Always a Sign of Disease? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Is an elevated AFP always indicative of a disease? I underwent a health check-up on August 15 of this year. My GOT was 10, GPT was 20, and I tested negative for both Hepatitis B and C. An abdominal ultrasound showed normal liver function. However, my AFP level was 10.8 (normal va...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. AFP is commonly used for screening hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis. An AFP level that remains elevated or exceeds 400 is significant, and in patients with cirrhosis, a level greater than 20 is also significant. 2. AFP is a protein that appears dur...[Read More] Is Elevated AFP Always a Sign of Disease? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Where to Get Tested for Hepatitis B Antibodies in Taiwan?
Where can I get tested for antibodies? I apologize! Following up on the previous question, where can I get tested for hepatitis B antibodies? What are the related testing costs, and is the vaccination covered by health insurance? Are there any precautions to take before the test?...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Both general laboratories and hospitals can perform the tests (there may be slight differences in accuracy). The tests for vaccines are all self-paid (approximately around 500 NTD). Fasting is not required for the tests. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Che...[Read More] Where to Get Tested for Hepatitis B Antibodies in Taiwan?
Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, Vice President Tsai. Two years ago, I had a health check-up at Taipei Hospital, where the result for Hepatitis B antibodies was positive. However, I recently went to another health check-up center, and the result was weakly positive (51 IU/L). Is thi...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
This is a normal phenomenon observed during health check-ups at Taipei Hospital. The positive reaction for hepatitis B antibodies is a qualitative test result, while other health check centers conduct quantitative tests. A weak positive result is acceptable. Hepatitis B Overvie...[Read More] Understanding Weak Positive Hepatitis B Antibody Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Liver Nodules: Tumors or Inflammation Residue?
Liver nodules? Hello Director Chen: I recently had an ultrasound and found a nodule in my liver that is less than 0.5 centimeters. Is a nodule considered a type of tumor, or is it a remnant from liver inflammation? Besides the ultrasound, what other tests or precautions should I ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Wang Yin: After nodular regenerative hyperplasia, the liver tissue regenerates irregularly, resulting in nodules measuring 1 to 2 centimeters. Generally, regular follow-up with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein testing is required. If there is an increase in size, a liver b...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: Tumors or Inflammation Residue?
Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Should I Stop My Medication?
What should I do? Hello, I have been taking Tenofovir for over a year, and my HBeAg has turned negative. I haven't checked my HBV DNA levels. After taking Tenofovir for nearly another six months, should I stop the medication abruptly or taper it off, for example, taking one ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello! After taking Entecavir, your e-antigen has successfully turned negative. If you continue to use it for another six months and your liver function is currently normal, you can stop the medication immediately without the need for a gradual taper. The decision to discontinue ...[Read More] Managing Hepatitis B Treatment: Should I Stop My Medication?
Do I Need a Hepatitis B Vaccine if My Partner Has It?
Is it necessary to receive the hepatitis B vaccine? Since my boyfriend has hepatitis B, is there a possibility of transmission? Do I need to receive a booster dose of the hepatitis B vaccine? I was vaccinated as a child; is the vaccine still effective now that I am 23 years old? ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: Due to the possibility of hepatitis B transmission through sexual contact, it is recommended that you first check for antibodies. If antibodies are not detected, you may receive one dose of the vaccine and then test for antibodies again after one month to determine w...[Read More] Do I Need a Hepatitis B Vaccine if My Partner Has It?
Can Sharing Ointments Spread Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Can sharing ointments transmit hepatitis B? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if sharing ointments like "Wanjin Oil" or other creams can transmit Hepatitis B? Our company is dealing with a flea infestation, and my colleagues have been bitten quite badly. Three of us hav...
Dr. Cai Yaozhou Reply:
Sharing ointments or other topical medications does not transmit Hepatitis B. The primary mode of transmission for Hepatitis B is through blood, which is why it was historically referred to as "serum hepatitis." Other bodily fluids, including tears, semen, and saliva, c...[Read More] Can Sharing Ointments Spread Hepatitis B? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission and Related Health Concerns
What are the modes of transmission for hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood-to-blood contact. This can occur through sharing needles, receiving contaminated blood products, or through certain medical procedures that involve unsterilized equipment. It is...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: 1. The transmission routes of hepatitis C are similar to those of hepatitis B, spreading through contact with blood and bodily fluids. Transmission can occur through blood transfusions (since 1994, blood banks have implemented screening), intravenous drug use, unprotecte...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Transmission and Related Health Concerns
Essential Guidelines for Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Checks and Vaccination Insights
What precautions should carriers of hepatitis B take? Is there government assistance for testing? 1. I am 39 years old and was diagnosed as a carrier of Hepatitis B during childbirth in 1980. My two children received immunoglobulin within 24 hours of birth. From 1980 to 1995, my ...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Q1: If immunoglobulin is administered within 24 hours after a child's birth, HBeAg may be positive, and there could be a diminished viral replication capacity. Liver function should be monitored, as it may change. Q2: It is advisable to first test for antigens and ...[Read More] Essential Guidelines for Hepatitis B Carriers: Health Checks and Vaccination Insights
Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated total bilirubin levels? I often experience gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, and nausea. Recently, after a company health check, I found out that my total bilirubin level is elevated at 2.5 mg/dL. Does this indicate a problem with my gallbladder or liver? Additional...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Xiao Wang: Elevated total bilirubin levels may be due to congenital liver issues (generally not harmful to health). Please visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for confirmation. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Elevated Total Bilirubin Levels: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Postpartum AFP Levels: Are 16 and 17 Normal?
Six months postpartum AFP 16, seven months postpartum AFP 17? Hello Dr. Chen: I participated in a company health check (with the health check team from Taipei Hospital) and received my report, which indicated an AFP level of 16 (six months postpartum). After half a month, I had a...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Xiaoya: The above situation can still occur in normal individuals, so there is no need to be overly anxious. Since there is no hepatitis B and a low likelihood of liver cancer, there is no need to worry about the mild elevation of AFP, but it should be monitored during foll...[Read More] Understanding Postpartum AFP Levels: Are 16 and 17 Normal?
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why Antibodies May Be Low
Vaccine I had a blood test when I was in the fourth grade, and the results indicated "please receive the hepatitis B vaccine." However, I had already received three doses as a child. Why is there still no antibody response? Do I need to get vaccinated again?
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
The success rate of hepatitis B vaccination in newborns is greater than 95%. If you are unable to detect antibodies at four years old, it may be due to the antibodies having disappeared or their concentration being too low to detect. It is generally believed that white blood cell...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination: Why Antibodies May Be Low
Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage in Taiwan
Treatment for Hepatitis B Hello Doctor: I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over 10 years. During this time, my fetal protein levels and ultrasound examinations have been normal. My GOT and GPT levels are sometimes normal and sometimes slightly elevated (around 40 to 50), so...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello: Basically, there is no urgent need for treatment (as the efficacy is poor and it is currently not covered by health insurance). You can have regular blood tests for monitoring and wait patiently for 2-3 years, in accordance with health insurance regulations and medical adv...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Treatment Options and Insurance Coverage in Taiwan
Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Do Your GOT and GPT Levels Mean?
Liver function tests Hello, doctor: I would like to ask you a question. I recently had my liver function tests, and my AST (GOT) level is 39 U/L, while my ALT (GPT) level is 69 U/L.
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Lai Wenzheng: Please visit the Gastroenterology and Hepatology outpatient clinic to determine the cause of your condition (such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or fatty liver, etc.). Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Chen Shidian.[Read More] Understanding Liver Function Tests: What Do Your GOT and GPT Levels Mean?
Understanding Variations in sGOT and sGPT Normal Ranges Across Hospitals
sGOT and sGPT issues? Hello Dr. Lin: Recently, I had tests for hepatitis B at two different hospitals, measuring sGOT and sGPT. The normal ranges and units differ between the two hospitals. One hospital has normal ranges of (6-25) IU/L for sGOT and (0-25) IU/L for sGPT, while the...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello: Different hospitals or testing facilities have varying reference values, so it is important to pay attention to whether GOT and GPT levels are above the normal range. Sincerely, Dr. Lin Ming-Hui, Internal Medicine.[Read More] Understanding Variations in sGOT and sGPT Normal Ranges Across Hospitals
Managing Gallstones: What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
What should I do about gallstones? Hello Dr. Liu, I have been experiencing (suspected) stomach pain for many years due to work-related stress and irregular eating habits. About ten years ago, I suddenly had upper abdominal pain that radiated to my back, and each episode lasted at...
Dr. Liu Nanshan Reply:
Although upper abdominal pain is more indicative of a gastric or duodenal ulcer, your symptoms radiating to the back suggest that it may be caused by gallstones or cholecystitis. Additionally, duodenal ulcers are more common in younger individuals, so your gastric ulcer is likely...[Read More] Managing Gallstones: What You Need to Know About Treatment Options
Managing Coexisting Hepatitis B and Ulcerative Colitis: Treatment and Dietary Guidance
What are the treatment and management options for hepatitis B and ulcerative colitis? I am simultaneously suffering from two diseases. In 1999, I had my first episode of ulcerative colitis, which recurred at the end of 2001. Both episodes improved with treatment. At the end of 20...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello SHL: Although there is no direct correlation, corticosteroids used for treatment can affect the onset of hepatitis viruses. Could you consult with a physician experienced in colitis on how to use medications that will not impact hepatitis B, while also managing hepatitis B ...[Read More] Managing Coexisting Hepatitis B and Ulcerative Colitis: Treatment and Dietary Guidance