Blood test, Internal Medicine FAQ

Can You Contract Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick During Pregnancy?

Needle stick injury from a hepatitis B carrier? I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and have antibodies for Hepatitis B. My mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B. After taking my mother's blood sugar test, I was accidentally pricked by the needle used for blood collection. Is ther...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the risk of contracting hepatitis B is low. However, it is still recommended to follow the vaccination schedule and check the hepatitis B markers and liver function at approximately 3, 6, and 12 months. If both are normal, there should be less ca...

Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns

Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, I went to see a dermatologist for hair loss and had a blood test, which showed an ANA value of 80, negative. The doctor told me to see a rheumatologist if I experience joint pain or related issues. I would like to ask: 1. Are there any methods to preven...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there any way to prevent ANA levels from rising? --> A positive ANA is part of an individual's constitution and generally does not change significantly. However, slight variations may occur due to differen...

Undercooked Pork: Health Risks and When to Seek Medical Help

Eating undercooked pork? In October 2021, I ate undercooked pork chops at a teppanyaki restaurant. Over the past few months, I have frequently experienced itching in my buttocks, increased episodes of diarrhea, and sometimes abdominal cramps. I'm unsure if these symptoms are...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main concern is diarrhea and the possibility of a parasitic infection. It is recommended to visit a gastroenterologist or a family medicine physician to arrange for a stool test to check for any eggs. If none are found, the likelihood of a pa...

Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine, BUN, and GFR Explained

Renal function tests: creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? I have chronic kidney disease stage 3. About 10 days ago, I had a blood test (fasting) with the following results: creatinine 2.0, BUN 31, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 40. Today...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, stage 3 chronic kidney disease is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 30 and 59 ml/min/1.73m². The two test results you provided, 40 and 51 ml/min/1.73m², do show a difference, even though both fall within stage 3. Due to the lack of b...

Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease? Hello Doctor, I had an appointment in October and experienced symptoms of dryness. I consulted a rheumatologist, and all my blood tests came back normal, but my condition shows tendencies towards lupus erythematosus. However, I ha...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many causes of dry symptoms, and Sjögren's syndrome is just one of them. While blood tests show "lupus-like phenomena," there is no definitive evidence of Sjögren's syndrome. Typically, we recommend follow-up visit...

Understanding Persistent Hematuria: Should You Be Concerned?

Long-term hematuria? I have been experiencing hematuria for five consecutive years, with urine tests showing +1 to +2 results. I have undergone microscopic examinations three times, which also revealed 6-9 red blood cells. Both urine and blood tests have consistently returned nor...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
There are many causes of hematuria, ranging from stones, glomerulonephritis to tumors. If there are no other abnormalities (such as proteinuria, renal function impairment, or abnormal ultrasound findings), please continue with regular follow-ups. Thank you for your inquiry. The N...

Low C3 Complement Levels and Hair Loss: What You Need to Know

C3 and C4 complement levels and hair loss? Hello, I have been experiencing hair loss issues for the past two years. The dermatologist mentioned that it is due to scalp inflammation, and I have undergone blood tests. Aside from a low C3 complement level (with values of 64 in June ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A low C3 complement level only indicates that the patient may have an underlying immune disorder and is not directly related to hair loss. If no other tests have been conducted, it would be advisable to consult with a rheumatologist for further ...

Understanding Your ANA Test Results: Do They Indicate Lupus?

Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? This is my second follow-up report, and the ANA titer is still 1:640, the same as the first time. All other further examination indices are normal. The doctor said that my two 640 results are quite high, which suggests that I likely have system...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus involves not only the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test but also the evaluation of other clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators. In addition to your current test results, you may discuss with your physici...

Do I Need Further Heart Catheterization After My Stress Test Results?

Do I need further cardiac catheterization based on my report? Under standardized dipyridamole stress test, (1) no significant inducible ischemia in the myocardium, (2) adequate left ventricular (LV) systolic function. ==============================================================...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your report, there is no evidence of myocardial infarction or heart failure. Whether a cardiac catheterization is necessary should be determined by a cardiologist based on your symptoms and blood test results. It is recommended that you follow up with a cardiology...

Do I Need Further Heart Catheterization After My Stress Test Results?

I have questions regarding my heart examination report. Do I need to undergo further cardiac catheterization? Under standardized dipyridamole stress test, (1) no significant inducible ischemia in the myocardium, (2) adequate left ventricular (LV) systolic function. ==============...

Concerns About Excess Growth Hormone in a Rapidly Growing Child

Suspected excessive secretion of growth hormone? Hello, my child is 7 years old and is almost 150 cm tall. We have seen a pediatric endocrinologist twice, and they said there is no precocious puberty, but her bone age is advanced by 1 to 2 years. We did a blood test once, and the...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Since your child is only seven years old, it is recommended that you consult a pediatric endocrinologist. Thank you.

Understanding Folliculitis: Is That Red Bump on Your Back a Concern?

Is the redness on the back folliculitis? Hello Doctor, I accidentally discovered a small bump on my back that resembled a pimple while taking a shower, and I accidentally popped it. After class today, I visited a dermatologist who said it was just a common folliculitis and that I...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image, it does appear to be more like folliculitis rather than a sexually transmitted infection. I recommend using the ointment prescribed by your doctor, so there’s no need to worry. Thank you for your question.

Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis

I'm not sure where to look? The patient has experienced abnormal sensations in the left limb for approximately two years and has had persistent hematuria for over three years, although kidney examinations have returned normal results. There is a mild Raynaud's phenomeno...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I believe it may still be an issue related to immunology or rheumatology. I recommend that you first visit the immunology and rheumatology department at a medical center, where they can arrange for more detailed examinati...

Understanding Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns

Syphilis rash-related issues? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in early October and have been taking Doxycycline for four weeks. Prior to treatment, I had four deep red rashes on my palms. During the second to third week of treatment, I experienced...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The presence of a rash does not indicate the effectiveness of treatment; in some cases, the rash may become more pronounced during treatment. It is recommended to follow up three months later for a more accurate assessment of the indicators. 2. It is advisable to di...

Understanding Symptoms When Creatinine Levels Reach 12 mg/dL

When creatinine levels reach 12, the body may exhibit symptoms such as severe fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and decreased urine output. Additionally, patients may experience swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes due to fluid retention. It is crucial t...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
First, confirm whether the test values are accurate, and then distinguish between acute and chronic conditions. If it is chronic, it typically falls under stage 5 chronic kidney disease, which is often associated with symptoms of uremia (fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, los...

Understanding Unexplained Red Dots on the Chin: Causes and Concerns

Unexplained red spots on the chin? Hello Doctor: Last night, I suddenly noticed a red patch on my chin, and upon closer inspection, it appears to have small red spots that look like broken capillaries. There are about two areas on my chin with this condition, and it has not dissi...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on the images, it does not appear to be a microvascular rupture or a vasculitis lesion. I recommend further observation. If you are truly concerned, it would be advisable to consult a dermatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatolog...

Understanding Rising Triglycerides: Diet, Stress, and Cholesterol Levels

Elevated triglycerides? Hello Dr. Hong, In July, during my health check-up, my total cholesterol was 6.07, HDL (good cholesterol) was 1.31, LDL (bad cholesterol) was 4.46, and triglycerides were 1.09. After three months of dietary control and exercising 150 minutes per week, I h...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, triglycerides are usually related to diet; for example, stir-fried vegetables can cause levels to rise. On the other hand, high cholesterol is often influenced by genetic factors. Overall, blood lipids can be affected by multiple factors. It is recommended to avoid high-fa...

Understanding Normal Variations in Genital Appearance: A Medical Perspective

What are the issues related to the reproductive organs? Hello doctor, I visited a urologist at the end of 2019 because I noticed a yellowish-white spot on the surface of my glans. Sometimes, when I shower, it appears less noticeable, and I feel like it varies between being obviou...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image, it appears to be some glands on the glans rather than an infectious disease. If there have been no significant changes over the past two years, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation unless there are any notable changes that would require a fol...

Understanding Dark Stool: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?

Bowel issues Hello Doctor, two Saturdays ago after using the restroom, I noticed that the water in the toilet had a dark coffee color, and it seemed slightly red, resembling coffee with a hint of red. Could this be a sign of colon cancer or other bleeding symptoms? I do not feel ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chili powder in the spicy chicken leg burger may cause a deep red discoloration, but it's not just the chili powder; many foods, especially vegetables and fruits, can contain food coloring. Therefore, it may not necessarily indicate bleeding. However, since your f...

Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risk: Family History and Personal Factors

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I later asked my family, and it turns out that my grandfather's other brother was diagnosed with colon cancer, but after surgery, he recovered and is now very active (he was diagnosed around the age of 50-60). I w...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the more family members that have a history of colorectal cancer, the higher the risk. However, if you have previously undergone a colonoscopy, it is indeed reasonable to consider following up with fecal occult blood testing every 2-3 years. Thank you for your question.

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