Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a medical facility's health check center for a physical examination. During the blood draw, the nurse used an alcohol swab for disinfection and then placed the swab on the table. After completing the blood draw, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients
Both creatinine and triglycerides are elevated? Question: I visited my family medicine doctor on Sunday because I previously had high cholesterol issues (last year it was 236). The doctor asked if I could have blood drawn to track my levels today. I replied that I had just gone h...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, Xiaohua: To measure triglycerides, you should fast for 8-10 hours. The values can be affected by diet, so it is recommended to fast for 8-10 hours and avoid vigorous exercise before the test.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
HIV infection I went to the local health bureau for an HIV test on July 17th. Before the blood draw, I had a brief conversation with the doctor. The method used was a fingerstick rapid test (a purple square device was used to prick my fingertip). Since I was washing my hands at t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Since there have been clusters of hepatitis C cases in some medical institutions, there have been instances of needle reuse. If a needle is used for the first time but is old, there may be issues with infection. Safety needles, as the name implies, are designed for single use; on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures
Blood test shows suspicion of hepatitis B and C, and HIV? I would like to ask the doctor about a situation during my blood draw. There was blood from a previous patient on the blood draw table. After I reminded the nurse about the blood on the table, she wiped it with an alcohol ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hepatitis B and HIV are primarily transmitted through blood. The risk of transmission is higher if you have an open wound on your hand that comes into contact with infected blood. However, once the virus leaves the human body, it does not survive for long. If there is no direct c...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures
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
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
Can You Get Infected from a Used Needle During Blood Draw?
Is there an infection? Hello doctor, the other day at the hospital, after a person had their blood drawn and left, I sat down next. I noticed that the needle cap used by the nurse was already opened and exposed to the air before she drew my blood. I suspect that the nurse did not...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
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 infectio...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from a Used Needle During Blood Draw?
Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and leukocytes? Hello Doctor, I experienced fever along with swollen and painful bilateral inguinal lymph nodes at the beginning of February. I went for a urology examination, and the blood test was done ap...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to include the reference ranges for the test results to facilitate interpretation, as different hospitals may use different laboratory equipment, which can lead to variations in normal values. Additionally, although the total w...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
Understanding Changes in Creatinine and GFR: What You Need to Know
Creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can vary significantly? In 2020, after a 12-hour fasting test, the results showed a creatinine level of 0.80 and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 121. In 2023, after having a meal at around 1 PM, doing strength training and aer...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Creatinine levels are related to diet, including meat intake and hydration. It is recommended to fast for 8 hours prior to testing. To accurately assess kidney function, meat consumption should not be excessive. A comparison of results is necessary to determine if there has been ...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Creatinine and GFR: What You Need to Know
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
Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can increasing the dosage of Salazopyrin further reduce ESR? Hello Doctor: I am 20 years old, and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years, with the diagnosis confirmed 1 year after the onset. Initially, I was treated with either Celebrex or Voltaren, but for...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I have been taking only 2 Salazopyrin daily, and my CRP has significantly decreased from around 0.7-0.9 (when I was only taking Celebrex or Voltaren) to now 0.2-0.4. However, my ESR has shown almost no improvement. In...[Read More] Can Increasing Salazopyrine Dosage Lower ESR in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Skin Rashes and Elevated C4 Complement Levels
Generalized urticaria and elevated C4 complement levels? Hello doctor, I noticed many small papules on my body on October 9th, particularly on my arms and legs. They are not painful, but sometimes itchy (I'm not sure if it's due to friction from clothing). I had blood d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated C4 levels can occur when the body is experiencing discomfort, including infections. Generally speaking, elevated complement C3 and C4 levels are usually not concerning, while low levels often indicate abnormalities in immune function. ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Elevated C4 Complement Levels
Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult the doctor regarding blood draw and related issues? I apologize for the interruption. I was diagnosed about 3-4 months ago, and sometimes I feel like I have some lingering symptoms, so I thought I should get a check-up. Last week, I made an appointment with a famil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte count, as your physician mentioned, it is true that various conditions can cause fluctuations in individual values. Your results are within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. As for the outer part of your ear, based on your description...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Hello, I would like to inquire about infection issues? On the morning of September 3rd, around 10 AM, I had a blood test for a gynecological check-up. In the afternoon, I noticed itching on the back of my hand. I went to the pharmacy, explained the situation, and bought an ointme...
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] Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Immune system? Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you about issues related to rheumatology and immunology, specifically about skin pain and itching. I believe I may have lupus erythematosus, and the doctors have suggested further monitoring. The patient has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is autonomic nervous system dysfunction included in immune system diseases, or should I consult another specialty? --> Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not related to the immune system, but immune system di...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
HIV testing issues? I have undergone an RT-PCR test, and the result was negative. It has been 32 days since I was exposed on the day of the blood draw. Can I feel reassured now?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your current condition and test results, the chance of HIV infection is very low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Regarding screening needles? I previously went for an HIV test, and the person said they used safe needles for blood collection, similar to those at the Red House testing station. However, I have a concern: is it possible that I accidentally received a needle that was used by som...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the so-called safety needles refer to those that retract the needle back into the syringe after a single use, making them completely unusable afterward. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the issue of reuse. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
In the areas where hands that have previously touched syringes and needles come into contact, a needle is used to draw blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago I had a health check-up that required a blood draw. The phlebotomist first cleaned my skin with alcohol, then took the syringe ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although the phlebotomist touched other areas before returning to palpate the vein, the residual alcohol applied earlier still has antimicrobial effects. Therefore, it should still provide some level of disinfection, and it is unlikely to cause a...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
I would like to ask the doctor if this could lead to an HIV infection? A few days ago, I underwent anonymous HIV testing, and the result was negative. However, I was very nervous during the test and did not pay attention to whether the blood draw needle was new. I would like to a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. First, refer to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. For example, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): * Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexu...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy
Blood draw needle injury and glans mucosa? I would like to ask the doctor to assess the risk in a busy schedule. The other person had a blood test for blood sugar at 18:00 using a blood draw needle, and four hours later at 22:00, he performed manual stimulation (masturbation and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The blood glucose lancet is very fine and will heal quickly, so there should be no bleeding after four hours. 2. Based on your description, there is no risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy