Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Results of rheumatologic and immunological blood tests? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing muscle soreness in my shoulders, neck, and arms for three months, along with pain in my index finger. Orthopedic rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I had blood tests ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this test value can only indicate a possible presence of lupus erythematosus; however, a diagnosis requires clinical symptoms combined with other values to calculate an overall score for confirmation. Based on your description, the symptoms do not seem to align closely, so...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Is My Elevated GPT Level a Concern?
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again. Since I couldn't make it to my appointment today, I called the clinic to inquire about my blood test results. My B.C. liver and fetal protein levels are normal, so is my GPT of 52 (&l...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, it appears to be caused by fatty liver disease, likely with mild inflammation. An ultrasound can only detect fibrosis, while determining whether cells have died requires a biopsy for microscopic examination. However, the presence of fibrosis can su...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Is My Elevated GPT Level a Concern?
Concerns About Diabetes: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice
Suspected diabetes mellitus? Hello Doctor: I recently discovered that I have a problem with excessive drinking, but I don't urinate often. I also feel sleepy after eating. A few weeks ago, I had blood tests and a urinalysis to check my blood sugar, but only the fasting blood...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is advisable to consult a physician again and provide them with detailed information about your condition.[Read More] Concerns About Diabetes: Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Advice
Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Regarding saliva rapid test kits? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse in early 2017. In mid-2020, I used an HIV saliva test kit and received a negative result (one line). Do I need to get tested again? I noticed that the CDC has been promoting blood testing kits re...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The window period for HIV typically does not exceed six months. Therefore, if unsafe sexual activity occurred three years ago and the current test result is negative, it should rule out infection. However, saliva testing involves issues related to its sensitivity, and a ne...[Read More] Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
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
Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Medical consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what an ANA titer of 1:160 represents. Does this indicate an autoimmune disease? I also have anemia and palpitations. A doctor previously informed me that it would be dangerous for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; is that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. I have organized and responded to your inquiries as follows: 1. What does an ANA titer of 1:160 represent? Does it indicate an autoimmune disease? --> This is a screening indicator for autoimmune diseases. A higher titer suggests an increa...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Risks of Cell Death and Fibrosis Explained
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, I later recalled that during the ultrasound examination, the doctor seemed to quietly mention that some cells were dead. Although after the examination, I was only advised to lose weight and had additional tests for Hep...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, ultrasound cannot determine whether cells are alive or dead. What your doctor observed is likely the phenomenon of fibrosis. Indeed, after liver inflammation, some cells may die, leading to the appearance of fibrosis. When fibrosis becomes severe, it progresses to cirrhosi...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Risks of Cell Death and Fibrosis Explained
Understanding Kidney Cysts and Fatty Liver: Concerns and Dietary Solutions
Kidney and fatty liver issues? Hello Doctor, yesterday I had an abdominal ultrasound (conducted by Dr. Wang Wenming at Kaohsiung Medical University). Dr. Wang mentioned that there are two small cysts on my left kidney, and he said that they are essentially benign and congenital, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the cyst is indeed benign and does not require special treatment. 1. Fatty liver refers to the accumulation of fat in the liver due to diet, lifestyle habits, or individual predisposition. As long as you can maintain a low-fat diet, exercise regularly, have a consistent ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Cysts and Fatty Liver: Concerns and Dietary Solutions
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 Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
I would like to inquire about the syphilis testing through the National Health Insurance Express Service? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I visited the PrEP clinic and scheduled a follow-up blood test for the end of September. In the meantime, I checked my test results on the Natio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the values of RPR and TPLA can vary due to different reagents and methods used, leading to different reference ranges. These values must be compared with the reference ranges provided by the testing laboratory to determine if there are any abnormalities. Therefore, it is r...[Read More] Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
I would like to inquire about the syphilis testing through the National Health Insurance Easy Access system? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I visited the PrEP clinic and scheduled a blood test for the end of September. In the meantime, I checked my test results on the National Hea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the values of RPR and TPLA can vary due to different reagents and methods used, leading to different reference ranges. These values must be compared with the reference ranges provided by the testing laboratory to determine if there are any abnormalities. Therefore, it is r...[Read More] Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns
The toilet water is orange-red? Hello Doctor, over the past few months, I've occasionally noticed orange-red liquid next to my stool after having a bowel movement (the stool itself and the color when wiping are normal brownish-yellow). A few days before experiencing this sym...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that consuming certain food colorings, such as those found in carrots, can cause stool to appear discolored, making it difficult to distinguish from actual blood. However, if there is gastrointestinal bleeding, the color is usually dark red or bright red, rather...[Read More] Understanding Orange-Red Water in Toilet: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Thyroid issues Hello Doctor, I received the AZ vaccine on August 5th, and about 10 days later, I experienced rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, and some shortness of breath until I sought medical attention on August 19th. My thyroid blood test results were as follows, while other ...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Question 1: The distinction between mild and severe is quite subjective. Based on your values: FT4: 1.86 (reference range 0.59-1.43), it is not significantly above the upper limit. Question 2: Please follow your attending physician's advice; if the doctor has not inst...[Read More] Understanding Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell count I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1.1-3.2 Monocytes: 0....
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Leukemia can cause the presence of immature or abnormal white blood cells in the blood. Your neutrophil count is slightly elevated, but this does not indicate an increase in immature white blood cells, so it is not leukemia. Perhaps a follow-up test will show normal result...[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
Understanding Urine and Blood Test Results: Are They Normal?
I would like to inquire about the urine and blood test report? Hello Doctor, I have recently noticed small bubbles floating in my urine. I had urine and blood tests done this month, with results showing a creatinine level of 0.9, a glomerular filtration rate of 96.6, a uric acid ...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to the data you provided, the blood tests (creatinine and uric acid) are normal, and the urine microalbumin level is 0.6 mg/dL. Although there is no comparison with urine creatinine, it is evident that this value is normal. Despite the presence of bubbles observed visua...[Read More] Understanding Urine and Blood Test Results: Are They Normal?
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 Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Medication Effects
Blood report Hello Dr. Hong, about a month ago I had a blood test at the hospital. The results showed total cholesterol at 210, LDL cholesterol at 144, blood glucose at 105, hemoglobin A1c at 5.3, and potassium at 5.3. I checked the standard values online and found that they are ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although your blood sugar is slightly elevated, your glycated hemoglobin is normal, so there should be no issue with diabetes. Your potassium level is slightly high, but if your kidney function is normal, it may be due to constipation or decreased excretion, which usually ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, and Medication Effects
Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
White blood cell blood test inquiry? I was recently hospitalized for a long-term headache and underwent some tests, including a blood test. The report is as follows: WBC count: 6.78 Neutrophils: 5.3 (77.8%) normal range 1.6-6.3, 41.5-73.8% Lymphocytes: 1.0 (14.3%) normal range 1....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, everything appears to be normal and there are no issues. The slight variation in the neutrophils and lymphocyte ratio should not have any impact. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding White Blood Cell Counts: What Your Results Mean
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
Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines
Rectal issues Hello Doctor, three years ago I had a colonoscopy, which only showed irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, with no other issues. For the past six months, while showering, I have been using body wash as a lubricant to insert my finger into my rectum to check for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you are feeling are the folds and mucosa of the rectum, which is a normal finding. As for polyps, they are usually small and cannot be definitively diagnosed by palpation; a colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. Given your age, unless there is a family history of co...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines