Understanding Cauliflower Warts: Risks and Testing After Oral Sex
Regarding cauliflower infection? Hello doctor, I had anal intercourse with a friend on June 23 of this year, and we used a condom throughout the entire act, as I was the insertive partner. For oral sex, we did not use a condom; he performed oral sex on me, and my mouth did not co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Oral sex without a condom theoretically does not lead to lesions in the anal area; however, due to the highly contagious nature of genital warts (condyloma acuminatum), transmission can occur through surrounding bedding, clothing, or inadvertent contact, making it dif...[Read More] Understanding Cauliflower Warts: Risks and Testing After Oral Sex
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Ask the doctor some questions? Hello doctor, my health check report shows an ALT level of 45, and it seems my lymphocytes are elevated at around 60, while other values are slightly low and abnormal, prompting the recommendation to see a hematologist. At that time, the doctor aske...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description of general discomfort along with elevated liver enzymes and increased lymphocytes, it is indeed more likely to be a viral infection. However, the viruses referred to here are common viruses, such as respiratory viruses, commonly known as &quo...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Healthcare Settings
Questions about HIV infection? I would like to ask the doctor if the risk of HIV transmission through contact requires exposure to a large amount of fresh blood. Since I work in a hospital and encounter patients undergoing blood draws and those with body fluids, I would like to k...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of infection is generally higher with blood transfusions. For typical wounds or general skin contact, the risk of infection is very low. The daily life situations you described do not pose a risk for HIV infection. The HIV virus is primarily found in semen and blo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Healthcare Settings
Concerns About Blood Exposure and HIV Infection Risks
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific content to provide a translation. Could 1. I was concerned during my last visit to the hospital when I saw someone who had just had their blood drawn and had not applied pressure to the site. Blood was oozing from their puncture...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Given the current layout of the blood draw station, the blood is relatively heavy and will not splatter into your eyes, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection. 2. The window period mainly depends on individual constitution and immune factors; however, with...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Exposure and HIV Infection Risks
Understanding Mucosal Infection Risks: HIV and Eye Safety Concerns
Mucosal eye infection 1. While I was in the hospital, the person next to me had just had blood drawn and didn't apply enough pressure. I noticed some blood seeping from his elbow crease, and I was concerned that during his movements, his blood might spray into my eyes. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The distance of blood splatter is limited, and there are currently no case reports of HIV infection through splashes into the eyes, so you should not be concerned about being infected. 2. HIV cannot be transmitted through acne, so there is no need to worry. Thank you fo...[Read More] Understanding Mucosal Infection Risks: HIV and Eye Safety Concerns
Does Delaying Blood Draw for Cortisol Testing Affect Results?
Blood draw time Hello doctor, I have a cortisol blood test scheduled. The lab order states to draw blood at 4 PM and 8 AM, but due to long wait times at the hospital, my actual blood draw was close to 5 PM and almost 9 AM. Will this delay of nearly an hour affect the accuracy of ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
There may be some impact, but it will not be significant. The test values can still be referenced.[Read More] Does Delaying Blood Draw for Cortisol Testing Affect Results?
Does Hydration Affect Serum Creatinine Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease?
Factors affecting elevated creatinine levels? I have chronic kidney disease and have been undergoing regular follow-ups. However, the results of my kidney function tests have shown significant fluctuations this year (ranging from the 50s to the 30s). Therefore, I would like to as...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, it falls within the range of stage 3 chronic kidney disease. Sometimes, we monitor kidney function by looking at a broader range and trends over several years, rather than just comparing the most recent outpatient visit with the previous one. In yo...[Read More] Does Hydration Affect Serum Creatinine Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease?
Understanding the Disappearance of Thalassemia in Recent Blood Tests
I had thalassemia in middle school, but recent tests did not show any signs of it? Hello Doctor: I recently underwent a physical examination for military service, and I have some questions. In the past, I was diagnosed with thalassemia minor, but my recent tests did not indicate ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Mediterranean anemia requires further genetic testing to determine. The data you have is from a basic blood test, which can only indicate whether there is currently anemia. Based on this value, we can only say that there is no anemia at this moment; it does not rule o...[Read More] Understanding the Disappearance of Thalassemia in Recent Blood Tests
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Minor Wounds in Public Spaces
Infection concerns? If you have a small wound on your hand and come into contact with public items such as door handles or chairs, is there a risk of HIV infection? Is it possible for an asymptomatic carrier to inadvertently have blood from a wound that could lead to infection? A...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chances of contracting HIV through small wounds are very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. Therefore, based on the situation you described, there should be no need to worry about infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Minor Wounds in Public Spaces
Understanding Eosinophil Levels and Complement C3 in Patients with Behçet's Disease
Regarding eosinophils and complement issues? Four months ago, my eosinophil count was 4%, and this month it is 1.8%. The last time I had blood drawn, it was around 3%. Additionally, I have a complement C3 level of 73. I am a patient with Behçet's disease, and I'm not su...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Basophils are somewhat related to allergies, but their numbers are naturally low and can fluctuate due to different measurement times. I personally believe that there is no need to see a hematologist at this point. Complement levels are related...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil Levels and Complement C3 in Patients with Behçet's Disease
Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I previously had a family member infected with mycoplasma, and I developed symptoms of a scratchy throat and a mild fever of 37 degrees Celsius in the evening. I sought medical attention and was prescribed DayShu for three days. I was scheduled fo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the chart you provided, the highest temperature recorded is 37.7°C, with most readings below 37°C. Body temperature can often fluctuate based on surrounding temperature or physical activity. Overall, such variations in temperature should not be considered a fe...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns About Infection Risks from Reusable Blood Collection Devices
Infection issues Hello doctor, during my blood draw at the hospital the other day, I noticed that the blood collection device (the pen cap-like tool) used by the nursing staff had remnants of blood from a previous patient. I researched online and found that these blood collection...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the blood collection device you mentioned can indeed be reused and is specially designed to prevent backflow issues. Therefore, even if there is residual blood from other patients inside, you will not be at risk of infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Reusable Blood Collection Devices
Understanding Dry Tongue: Possible Links to Stomach Ulcers and Diabetes
Regarding dry tongue? Hello Doctor, let me describe my condition: Two and a half years ago, during a newborn health check, my fasting blood glucose was 75 mg/dL, with no diabetes, and everything else was normal. About one to two years ago, I experienced two episodes of dry mouth ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your question about dry mouth, it is likely not caused by other underlying diseases. Typically, a healthy young person should consume around 2000-3000 cc of fluids (including water) per day, especially in hot weather when fluid loss is rapid. It is advisable to m...[Read More] Understanding Dry Tongue: Possible Links to Stomach Ulcers and Diabetes
Understanding Elevated Anti-DNA Levels in Lupus Patients: Key Insights
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Anti-DNA Hello, Doctor. I have a history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for about 10 years, with my last flare affecting my kidneys three years ago. Since then, my condition has been stable, and for the past few months, my proteinuria has...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Anti-dsDNA levels are associated with disease activity in lupus. When assessing the activity of lupus, in addition to evaluating the patient's symptoms, we also refer to blood and urine test results. The indicators we examine include white...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Anti-DNA Levels in Lupus Patients: Key Insights
Understanding HIV Testing and PEP: Key Concerns and Insights
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. Last month, I decided to undergo a PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) medication regimen at the infectious disease department, and I just completed this regimen two weeks ago. In another two weeks, I will return to the ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the issue seems to be related to "false positives" from the rapid test. Most rapid tests utilize an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA or EIA) method to detect HIV, which has a specific reading time. Accurate results can only be obtained...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and PEP: Key Concerns and Insights
Do Pregnant Women Need Thyroid Medication in Early Pregnancy?
Is medication necessary for thyroid conditions during early pregnancy? Hello Doctor, I am currently 7 weeks and 6 days pregnant. On July 27 (5 weeks and 3 days), I visited a clinic for a check-up on my thyroid status, and the results were as follows: T3 1.02 (0.87-1.78), Free T4...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
In clinical practice, the three thyroid indicators we test include TSH, T3, and free T4. Among these, free T4 has the most direct correlation with thyroid function, as it represents the concentration of biologically active thyroid hormone in your body. TSH and T3 are used as refe...[Read More] Do Pregnant Women Need Thyroid Medication in Early Pregnancy?
Understanding PEP: Reducing HIV Infection Risk After Exposure
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) I would like to inquire about having unprotected intercourse with an unfamiliar male on April 11th at midnight and at 9:10 AM, with the male not knowing his HIV status. I went to the infectious disease department on the same day at 18:30 to receive...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, your issue is more related to infectious diseases, so we recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding PEP: Reducing HIV Infection Risk After Exposure
Assessing Infection Risks from Needle Exposure: What You Need to Know
Possibility of infection If a person engages in high-risk behavior, they can use a fourth-generation combo test for screening four weeks later. I would like to ask, if someone accidentally uses a needle that was previously used by an HIV-positive individual for a fingerstick bloo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regardless of how small the needle is, as long as it has been used by a patient and has pierced the skin, there is a risk of infection. It is recommended that if the situation you described still requires screening, you should proceed with it. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Needle Exposure: What You Need to Know
Managing High Prolactin Levels: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Prolactin Hello, doctor. I have an issue with elevated prolactin levels. An MRI scan revealed a nearly invisible pituitary tumor. When I lived in the south, my doctor would regularly draw blood and prescribe medication for me. After moving to the north and wanting to conceive a s...
Dr. Chen Shunfu Reply:
Hello, the normal range for prolactin levels in our hospital is 2.8-29.2 ng/mL, so a level of 47 is still slightly elevated. It is advisable to follow up with the endocrinology department at a medical center or a large teaching hospital.[Read More] Managing High Prolactin Levels: When to Seek a Second Opinion
Understanding HIV Testing: When to Retest After Risky Behavior
HIV screening Hello Doctor, I had an HIV and syphilis test at least four months after my last high-risk sexual encounter (on August 8 of this year), and both tests were negative. However, on the day of the rapid test, the technician used the same gloves without changing them and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the process of blood drawing is not expected to significantly increase the risk of disease transmission. The primary mode of transmission is still through sexual intercourse. It is advisable to estimate based on the timing of sexual activity. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: When to Retest After Risky Behavior