Blood, Internal Medicine FAQ - Page 17

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Understanding the Significance of Brown and Black Residue in Nasogastric Tube Aspirate

The color of the gastric aspirate from a nasogastric tube? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the nasogastric tube aspirate that is brown in color and contains some black, viscous material. What could this indicate?


Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Dear commenter, regarding your description of the nasogastric tube aspirating brown fluid with black viscous material, further examination and evaluation may be necessary. The contents aspirated from the nasogastric tube may be related to ingested foods, such as iron-rich foods l...

[Read More] Understanding the Significance of Brown and Black Residue in Nasogastric Tube Aspirate


Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Glucose Meters

Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor. I recently visited a clinic and used a blood glucose meter to check my blood sugar. However, I'm feeling a bit anxious about whether the clinic properly replaced the lancet. If a patient with HIV had used it shortly before me, is there a ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, the clinic regulations state that blood glucose lancets are also considered medical waste and must be used only once. The HIV virus is difficult to survive outside the human body, and the risk of infection is very low. For joint pain and chills, it is recommended to seek c...

[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Glucose Meters


Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Drinking or Rinsing with Oral Wounds?

Transmission routes of HIV Can HIV be transmitted through drinking water (beverages) or rinsing the mouth if there are wounds in the oral cavity?


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus primarily exists in blood and semen, and it can infect through broken skin. The likelihood of contracting HIV through drinking water or rinsing the mouth is very low.

[Read More] Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Drinking or Rinsing with Oral Wounds?


Can Dried HIV Blood Reactivate When Exposed to Fresh Blood?

HIV infection Hello, doctor. I am the one who previously inquired about <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/198925">#198925</a>. I would like to ask again, if blood containing the HIV virus has dried, is there a possibility that the virus could become active...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, no, unless there is further exposure to fresh blood, there is a chance of infection.

[Read More] Can Dried HIV Blood Reactivate When Exposed to Fresh Blood?


Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression

Antibody Issues in Dermatomyositis I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis on November 20, 2023, with a positive result for PL-7 (++) and negative results for all others. At that time, I only experienced muscle weakness, mechanic's hands, and joint rashes, with no other symptom...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The blood test results you received are qualitative tests, which do not provide actual numerical values, so they are not very precise and do not necessarily indicate changes in disease status or worsening of your condition. I suggest not to worr...

[Read More] Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression


Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50

How to distinguish between immune issues and menopausal symptoms? Hello, Doctor. I am 50 years and 6 months old. My menstrual cycle was regular until December of last year when it suddenly stopped. Before March of this year, I experienced insomnia, excessive sweating, frequent co...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: (1) What tests should be done to confirm if there is inflammation or adhesion in the spine? --> X-rays and blood tests are sufficient. If necessary, an MRI may also be arranged. Your physician may have started treatm...

[Read More] Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50


Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs

Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my regular pa...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, alongside genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the W...

[Read More] Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs


Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights

Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the typical symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my ste...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, along with genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the ...

[Read More] Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights


Can You Get HIV by Touching Your Eyes After Contact with Infected Blood?

Mucous membrane (eye) If your hand unknowingly came into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then you rubbed your eyes, is there a risk of contracting HIV?


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You are at risk of infection only if you work in a hospital with HIV patients or if your partner is HIV-positive. 2. In contrast, other infectious diseases can be transmitted through hand contact, so avoid rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands.

[Read More] Can You Get HIV by Touching Your Eyes After Contact with Infected Blood?


Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods

HIV infection I went to the local health bureau for an HIV test on July 17th. Before the blood draw, I had a brief conversation with the doctor. The method used was a fingerstick rapid test (a purple square device was used to prick my fingertip). Since I was washing my hands at t...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Since there have been clusters of hepatitis C cases in some medical institutions, there have been instances of needle reuse. If a needle is used for the first time but is old, there may be issues with infection. Safety needles, as the name implies, are designed for single use; on...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods


Understanding Low C3 Levels During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Low C3 complement levels? Due to being in the early stages of pregnancy (5 weeks), my doctor had me undergo multiple blood tests, and I just saw the results in my health record. My C3 level is only 87 mg/dL (the normal range is above 90). I already have Sjögren's syndrome, b...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many reasons for a decrease in complement C3 levels. If it was previously normal and has now decreased, it may be related to immune system activation. If you have Sjögren's syndrome, it is indeed possible to have lower complement...

[Read More] Understanding Low C3 Levels During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know


Understanding the Effectiveness and Frequency of Immune System Tests

Immune system examination? Hello Doctor: I had an immune system blood test related to rheumatoid conditions last November, and all the values were normal at that time. I would like to ask how long the effectiveness of the immune system test lasts and how often I should have it do...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If your tests are all normal and you do not have any symptoms related to the immune system or rheumatic diseases, I believe routine follow-up may not be necessary. However, if you experience rheumatic symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, un...

[Read More] Understanding the Effectiveness and Frequency of Immune System Tests


Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms

Dry mouth and tongue pain for many years without a definitive diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing symptoms of reduced saliva for about 30 years. She has seen dentists, rheumatologists, and family medicine doctors, and underwent a sublingual gauze test which c...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My suggestions are as follows: 1. You may consider returning to a rheumatology clinic for evaluation. If necessary, a salivary gland biopsy may indeed be required, as sometimes the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome necessitates this examina...

[Read More] Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms


Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists

Injury from an ampoule breakage? I am a pharmacist responsible for collecting used controlled substance vials from the wards. Today, I noticed that the bag used for collection was damaged, and an ampoule broke, causing a cut on my finger. I immediately squeezed the wound to expel...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If the medication bottle has not come into contact with anyone else's blood or bodily fluids, theoretically, it should not transmit any infectious diseases (since there is no source of infection). However, bacteria can still be present on the bottle, so caution is still need...

[Read More] Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists


Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns

Vomiting with brown, stringy material? Hello Doctor: Since last night, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and nausea, but I only vomited this morning. After vomiting, I noticed that the yellow vomit contained brown, thread-like substances, and I am concerned it might be ...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to confirm whether there is mild bleeding. In fact, during vomiting, the esophagus can sometimes stretch forcefully, which may lead to tearing and result in mild bleeding. If there is gastric bleeding, the vomit is typically tarry in appearance. It is advis...

[Read More] Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns


Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes

Abnormal lymphocytes and leukocytes in blood test report? Hello, I went to the emergency room last November due to abdominal pain. I just checked my health records and saw the blood test report from that time, which showed three values highlighted in red: Neutrophil - 90.0%, Mono...


Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Dear commenter, based on the information you provided, the proportions of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in your blood report are 90.0%, 2.0%, and 7.5%, respectively. These values are slightly abnormal, as neutrophils typically range from 50-70%, monocytes from 2-10%, an...

[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes


Understanding Elevated Gamma-Globulin Levels: Potential Causes and Implications

Elevated γ-globulin levels? Hello, doctor. Previously, I was concerned about the possibility of having multiple myeloma. Later, I received some blood test results: FLC Lambda 11.89 (5.71-26.3) / FLC Kappa 14.45 (3.3-19.4) / FLC K/L 1.22 (0.25-1.65). The Kappa level of 14.45 (3.3-...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. It appears that your γ-globulin levels are elevated. Does this mean I have multiple myeloma? --> No. Infections or autoimmune diseases can also cause a slight increase. The manifestations of multiple myeloma are d...

[Read More] Understanding Elevated Gamma-Globulin Levels: Potential Causes and Implications


Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases Hello, doctor. Recently, blood tests revealed cold agglutinin IgM (1+) and another positive result for cold fibrinogen. I do not have hepatitis B or C, and my ALT and AST levels are normal. An abdominal MRI last June was normal, and an abdominal ultrasound in ...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Nasal mucosal bleeding is likely unrelated to cryoglobulinemia, so there is no need to worry. I still recommend regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist, including monitoring for fatty liver and viral hepatitis. The Allergy, Immunology, and ...

[Read More] Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders


Can My Son Continue Taking Salazopyrin for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Can I continue taking Salazopyrin? Hello Doctor, my son is 20 years old and has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis for 3 years. For the past year and 4 months, he has been taking 2 tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without NSAIDs). Previously, he was on NSAIDs (without Salazo...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here is my response: 1) If my son experiences dizziness when getting up from a lying position due to mild anemia caused by the use of Salazopyrin, and no other causes for the dizziness can be identified, then we must weigh the two harms and c...

[Read More] Can My Son Continue Taking Salazopyrin for Ankylosing Spondylitis?


Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures

Blood test shows suspicion of hepatitis B and C, and HIV? I would like to ask the doctor about a situation during my blood draw. There was blood from a previous patient on the blood draw table. After I reminded the nurse about the blood on the table, she wiped it with an alcohol ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hepatitis B and HIV are primarily transmitted through blood. The risk of transmission is higher if you have an open wound on your hand that comes into contact with infected blood. However, once the virus leaves the human body, it does not survive for long. If there is no direct c...

[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures


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