Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Infection risk Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Understanding STD Risks from Blood Exposure in Public Restrooms
Sexually transmitted disease-related issues? Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. 1. When I used a public restroom, I noticed blood on the toilet paper after wiping myself (I wiped quite hard). Is there a risk of sexually transmitted infections in this situation? 2....
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Answer: 1. Generally, tissue paper in public places should not have blood on it, unless one has accidentally overlooked it or left it behind. 2. Since it is dirty tissue paper, it should not be used to wipe the face or genital areas, as this can help prevent the transmission of i...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Blood Exposure in Public Restrooms
Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Kidney Health Insights
Abnormal urine protein test? Hello, doctor. Three months ago, an ultrasound examination revealed that I have kidney stones, all measuring less than 0.5 cm. At that time, the doctor prescribed potassium citrate (K citrate), with a dosage of two tablets in the morning and two in th...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as kidney damage lasting for more than three months, resulting in structural or functional abnormalities that cannot return to normal. Whether a condition qualifies as CKD must be determined by a specialist based on your glomerular filtrati...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Kidney Health Insights
Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Regarding the test values related to hepatitis B..? Due to engaging in risky behavior and concerns about infection, I had blood tests for Hepatitis B and C. The HBsAg value was 0.11 (Negative) and the HBsAb value was 11.3 mIU/mL. I was tested approximately 5 weeks after the incid...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: According to the test results, since antibodies are already present, there is no need for vaccination. An HBsAb level of <10 IU/L is considered negative, while >=10 IU/L is considered positive. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello, doctor. Today, when I went to the clinic for a blood draw, I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new needle for the procedure. I would like to ask, if the needle was not changed and the person before me was an HIV positive patient, would I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus according to the Centers for Disease Control: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids pos...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Understanding Symptoms Similar to Hypoglycemia with Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Normal blood sugar levels but occasionally experiencing symptoms similar to hypoglycemia? Hello Doctor: In the past two to three years, I have occasionally experienced symptoms similar to hypoglycemia, such as sudden cold sweats, anxiety, and hunger pangs, which are relieved afte...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can visit the Metabolism Clinic for further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms Similar to Hypoglycemia with Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Diabetes Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Diabetes test results inquiry? When I was 23 or 24 years old, during a company health check, I was found to have elevated fasting blood glucose levels. I then went to a large hospital where my postprandial blood glucose reached 395 mg/dL, and my HbA1c was 9.1, which led to a diag...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for test values may vary slightly between different testing laboratories. Please return to the original testing hospital for follow-up consultations. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent decrease in platelet count? Hello, Doctor. Last August, I discovered through a blood test that I had a positive ANA and thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of about 100,000, along with a slight decrease in complement C3. All other test values were normal, and I susp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Your physician's treatment approach is more aggressive; administering pulse steroids can quickly adjust the uncontrolled immune function, potentially allowing the platelet count to return to a safer level and maintain it for a longer durat...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Cloudy Urine: Kidney Health and Dietary Concerns
Urine can sometimes appear light yellow and cloudy? Hello, doctor. I have nephrotic syndrome and have been under continuous monitoring, which has been normal. Recently, I underwent an MRI, which detected 1-2 cysts in both my liver and kidneys. The doctor mentioned that I should c...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Cloudy Urine: Kidney Health and Dietary Concerns
Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Can Hemoglobin A1c Levels Fluctuate Significantly in One Day?
Is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) really that variable? Hello Dr. Lee, I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for a routine blood test on July 18, and my hemoglobin A1c result was 5.7. Due to other issues, I consulted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where they also tested my...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Different hospitals may have slight variations in their testing equipment. Please follow up in three months. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Hemoglobin A1c Levels Fluctuate Significantly in One Day?
Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had safe sexual intercourse with a sex worker, but she happened to be menstruating and there was a small amount of blood on the condom. I also had a slight abrasion on my genital area. When I removed the condom, some of the blood got onto my genital ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. There are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood
Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Blood in the stool? Doctor, I have blood in my stool, and I'm not sure what the cause is. I have taken a photo; can you please help me take a look?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person notices blood in their stool, it is important to assess the color of the blood (ranging from bright red to tarry black) and how it is mixed with the stool (whether it is just on the surface or mixed throughout) to help identify potential causes. It is advisable to con...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Temporary Cloudy Urine: Causes and Concerns for Kidney Health
Urine sometimes becomes cloudy? Hello, doctor. I have nephrotic syndrome and have been under continuous monitoring, which has been normal. Recently, I underwent an MRI, which detected cysts in both my liver and kidneys. The doctor mentioned that we will continue to monitor, and m...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, regarding urine color, it is advisable to monitor it. Chronic patients are not recommended to take dietary supplements on their own; it is best to consult a physician to assess their condition and the suitability of the ingredients to avoid excessive intake that may burden...[Read More] Understanding Temporary Cloudy Urine: Causes and Concerns for Kidney Health
Understanding Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Blood Test Report Hello doctor, I had a health check-up in September 2023, and some of the results related to my kidneys were highlighted in red. The values were as follows: urine specific gravity 1.002, uric acid 8.5, blood urea nitrogen 6.5, creatinine 0.88, uric acid 4.3, glom...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, general practitioners will conduct a comprehensive assessment based on all examination data and provide recommendations on whether outpatient follow-up is necessary and how often it should occur. It is advisable to complete this year's examinations first and then take...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Assessing Hepatitis B and C Risks for Dental Assistants: Key Insights
Dental assistant needle stick At the end of May 2024, the patient reported a history of hepatitis B or C but is unsure of the stage. The health check report from July 2022 showed positive Anti-HBs and negative HBs Ag. What is the likelihood of hepatitis B infection? Is it necessa...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If HBsAb is positive and the titer is sufficiently high (>100 IU), there should be no concern about hepatitis B infection. 2. As a healthcare worker who has experienced a needlestick injury, you can seek consultation and follow-up testing at any medical facility, which wi...[Read More] Assessing Hepatitis B and C Risks for Dental Assistants: Key Insights
Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rhythm Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Issues with Blood Pressure Medications Hello Dr. Lee, I have hyperthyroidism and have been taking one dose of anti-thyroid medication and one dose of a heart rhythm medication daily for three months to maintain my condition. Sometimes I feel weak, and when I measure my blood pres...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For issues related to palpitations and low blood pressure, you may consult a cardiology department. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Blood Pressure and Heart Rhythm Medications: A Patient's Dilemma
Understanding Cloudy Urine: Causes and Concerns for Kidney Health
Urine can sometimes become cloudy? Hello Doctor, I have nephrotic syndrome and have been under regular monitoring, with recent tests showing normal results. I underwent an MRI, which detected a cyst in both my liver and kidneys. The doctor mentioned to continue monitoring, and my...
Dr. Yan Qitai Reply:
Hello, if you have nephrotic syndrome, it is important to have regular follow-up appointments to monitor kidney function. It is advisable to consult your physician during these visits.[Read More] Understanding Cloudy Urine: Causes and Concerns for Kidney Health