Blood draw, Internal Medicine FAQ - Page 3

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Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients

Thyroid blood test value consultation? In recent years, I have been troubled by hair loss and have noticed that the new hair growth is finer and not as strong as my original hair. Despite visiting several dermatologists, I have not been able to find the cause of my hair loss (all...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Short-term use of high doses of steroids may affect thyroid function. Currently, your blood test results do not indicate any significant thyroid dysfunction. If you believe that steroids are contributing to hair loss, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatologist.

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients


Understanding Thyroid Function: TSH Levels and Health Concerns

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Hello Doctor, my recent thyroid blood test results are as follows: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): (Reference range: 0.35-4.94) - 111/3/15: 1.193 IU/ml - 111/4/7: 1.121 IU/ml - 111/5/18: 0.818 IU/ml Free Thyroxine (FT4): (Reference range: 0....


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. Currently, it seems unlikely to flare up. 2. There shouldn't be any cause for concern. 3. It's not considered low. 4. This value appears to be normal. 5. They usually occur simultaneously. 6. There won't be any changes in the short term; follow-up is n...

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function: TSH Levels and Health Concerns


Is Blood Leakage After Blood Draw Normal? Concerns About Infection

Blood draw issues? It is normal to see some blood on the needle after a blood draw, as there may be a small amount of blood that seeps out when the needle is removed. The nurse typically places the needle in a biohazard bag for safety, and any blood present is usually contained w...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the phenomenon of overflow bleeding you mentioned is normal. It will not affect your test results and will not cause any infection, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Is Blood Leakage After Blood Draw Normal? Concerns About Infection


Understanding HIV Testing: Safety Concerns and Antibody Detection

HIV infection 1. Hello, doctor: I recently purchased an HIV test kit (Kenvair) from the pharmacy, which is currently offered by the Centers for Disease Control. I would like to ask if this test kit detects antibodies, does it contain any components of the HIV virus itself? After ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The reagent contains artificially synthesized compounds similar to HIV antigens, which have no infectious capability and are not HIV viruses. 2. Hello, there have been no reported cases of infection under the conditions you described, so it is unlikely that infection wo...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Safety Concerns and Antibody Detection


Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps

A white blood cell count of 12.7 is considered elevated. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the increased white blood cell count. Possible causes may include infections, inflammation, stress Hello Doctor, I have iron def...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the gingival inflammation you mentioned can lead to an increase in white blood cell count. If the teeth have already been extracted, the white blood cell count should decrease. Regarding the DC you mentioned, it refers to the differential count of white blood cells, which ...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps


Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What Does a 0.184 Value Mean?

HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I went to the hospital for a blood test to check for HIV using the ELISA method due to some issues (definitely not related to casual encounters or needle exposure). My test result was 0.184. I would like to know if this indicates a possible infect...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The methods for HIV testing are as follows: (I) Preliminary Screening Tests 1. Prior to screening, health education should be provided, including: reasons for screening, assessment of infection risk, explanation of transmission routes, clarification of confidentiality regarding ...

[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What Does a 0.184 Value Mean?


Concerns About Bloodborne Disease Transmission During Blood Draws

During blood draw, healthcare personnel directly touch the bleeding wound? Today, I went to the hospital for a blood draw to perform a glucose tolerance test, which required four blood draws within two hours. However, during the fourth blood draw, when the healthcare worker remov...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, typically after drawing blood from a patient, healthcare personnel will disinfect their hands with alcohol before drawing from the next patient, so it should not lead to the transmission of infectious diseases. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Concerns About Bloodborne Disease Transmission During Blood Draws


Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure During Blood Draws: What You Should Know

#177943 During blood draw, healthcare personnel directly touched the bleeding wound? Thank you for the doctor's response earlier. However, I would like to ask, if the nurse did not properly perform hand hygiene and, as mentioned in the previous question, had fresh blood from...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, viruses can only survive in living cells. Dried blood does not support the survival of the HIV virus, so the scenario you proposed would not lead to infection. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure During Blood Draws: What You Should Know


Significant Drop in eGFR: Should You Be Concerned About Kidney Health?

The most recent test showed a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? Hello, Doctor. I am currently 29 years old, 153 cm tall, and weigh 50 kg. Last year, during a company health check, I was found to have elevated fasting blood glucose levels (118), but my hemo...


Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello Ms. Wang, drinking less water can also lead to a decrease in eGFR. Generally, 2500-3000 cc per day should be sufficient. If your cholesterol is elevated, dietary changes and exercise can help improve it. You may consider visiting an internal medicine specialist for further ...

[Read More] Significant Drop in eGFR: Should You Be Concerned About Kidney Health?


Can HIV Enter Through Minor Wounds? Understanding Infection Risks

HIV wound infection issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I used a rapid test kit for detection. The first blood draw was not very successful, so I switched to another kit and did it again. However, there are two wounds on my finger from the blood collection needles. About eight hour...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the wound you described will not transmit HIV, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Can HIV Enter Through Minor Wounds? Understanding Infection Risks


Concerns About Blood Draw Infection Risks: What You Need to Know

Blood infection Hello doctor, today I went for a blood draw. The person who drew my blood removed the needle cover after disinfecting but later had trouble locating my vein. Without replacing the cover, the needle was placed into the plastic tray that holds the alcohol swabs and ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described would not allow any virus to enter the syringe, let alone cause an infection. Please do not worry. Thank you, Director.

[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Infection Risks: What You Need to Know


Understanding Thyroid Index: When to Seek Medical Advice?

Thyroid index The laboratory tests showed a TSH level of 1.90 (normal reference range: 0.27–4.20) and a Free T4 level of 1.73 (normal reference range: 0.93–1.70). You mentioned experiencing insomnia the day before the blood draw and having poor sleep quality throughout the week. ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, the index does not require treatment; follow-up can be done in about three to six months.

[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Index: When to Seek Medical Advice?


Concerns About Infection Risks During Blood Draw: What You Need to Know

I am concerned about the risk of infection since the blood collection tube fell on the table? Hello Doctor, I went to the lab today for a blood draw. They said my veins are too small, so they used a thin long needle (like a long thin tube). As the blood was slowly flowing out, th...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: No, that's not the case! There is pressure within the blood vessels, so blood does not flow backward. The speed at which bacteria move is not fast enough to enter the body during the blood draw, so the scenario you mentioned poses minimal risk.

[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks During Blood Draw: What You Need to Know


Am I at Risk for Prediabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels

Is it prediabetes? Hello Doctor, I am 25 years old, 174 cm tall, and weigh 63 kg. The night before, I consumed about two bowls of rice, two bowls of noodles, and lamb hot pot. After fasting for eight hours, I measured my blood glucose level using a glucometer and found it to be 1...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Another test is needed for confirmation. Please include a hemoglobin A1c test in the next blood draw for reference.

[Read More] Am I at Risk for Prediabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels


Understanding Sudden Increase in Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns

Short-term rapid increase in creatinine levels? Hello Dr. Wu, On August 28, 2021, I went to the hospital for a blood test. On that day, I checked the report online and found that my creatinine level had risen to 1.28. The creatinine levels from the previous four months were 1.0...


Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Regarding the definition of chronic kidney disease (CKD), you mentioned that the five data points you provided indicated the presence of urinary protein, which alerted you to your kidney function. The four measurements of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were 75, 83, 75, and 79 m...

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Increase in Creatinine Levels: Causes and Concerns


Managing High Cholesterol: Diet, Supplements, and Testing Tips

Cholesterol reduction issues? Hello, Doctor. I found out I have high cholesterol after my health check-up at the end of July. My total cholesterol is 234 mg/dL, HDL (good cholesterol) is 51 mg/dL, and LDL (bad cholesterol) is 172 mg/dL. It is not familial hypercholesterolemia. I ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Red yeast rice and similar nutritional supplements can partially help improve blood lipid levels, but their effects are not as exaggerated as advertised. It is recommended to focus on exercise, maintain a regular routine, and avoid a diet primarily consisting of fried...

[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: Diet, Supplements, and Testing Tips


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

Blood test results? Other test data source: Test category: Sorted items: Test item name: All. Rotating the mobile screen horizontally will display more data. Test Date | Test Item Name | Test Result 110/08/13 | HCT | 43.5 110/08/13 | HGB | 13.2 110/08/13 | MCH | 21.0 11...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report: 1. Your blood glucose level is elevated. If this was a fasting blood test, it is recommended to visit a metabolic clinic to check for diabetes. 2. Your oxygen saturation is low, but it is unclear whether the sample was drawn from an arter...

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


Understanding Blood Tests for HIV During Emergency Room Visits

Blood tests and HIV In mid-June, I was sent to the emergency room due to acute gastroenteritis and vomiting (later diagnosed as acute gastroenteritis). After a blood sample was taken for testing, the nurse informed me that all my blood test results were normal. I would like to as...


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Is there an HIV test available? Should I ask the emergency department if they have the test? If not, can I go to the outpatient clinic for testing to find out? Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Understanding Blood Tests for HIV During Emergency Room Visits


Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know

After receiving the AZ vaccine, there is unexplained bruising on the calf? Hello doctor, I have Sjögren's syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. After receiving my first dose of the AZ vaccine on July 29 (Thursday), I noticed seven unexplained bruises on my tibia and knee on J...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the blood test did not show any abnormalities in your platelets. Blood abnormalities related to the AZ vaccine typically occur 10 days to two weeks after vaccination. Currently, your situation cannot be explained, and it is recommended that you consult a hematologist for f...

[Read More] Unexplained Bruising on Lower Legs After AZ Vaccine: What to Know


Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Management Tips

Elevated creatinine levels? Hello Doctor: I had a blood test on July 6, and my creatinine level was 1.2. Prior to the blood draw, I was experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, gastroesophageal reflux, and irregular bowel movements. I had been taking medicati...


Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
A single creatinine report does not indicate chronic kidney dysfunction; it is recommended to drink more water and maintain a normal routine for a period of time before retesting. It is advisable to avoid any illnesses or discomfort before the test, as these factors may interfere...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine Levels: Causes and Management Tips


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