Blood, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Your Kidney Function Test Results: When to Seek Further Care

Questions about kidney function test report? Hello Dr. Huang, I am a 29-year-old male. In my previous health check-ups, my creatinine levels have always been slightly elevated (around 1.1). In my latest health check-up report from last week, my creatinine was 1.17 mg/dL and my eG...

Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for consultation.

Managing Complications of Hypothyroidism: A Case Study

Complications of Hypothyroidism Dear Dr. Li, My mother is 73 years old. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which caused severe allergic rashes and itching due to medication. After a year of changing medications without success, she was evaluated by a metaboli...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Skin rashes and itching can also be evaluated by a rheumatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.

Foods to Combat Dizziness and Fatigue from Blood Test Results

Blood Test Report Red blood cells: 5.81 Hemoglobin: 8.0 Hematocrit: 28.3 Mean corpuscular volume (MCV): 48.8 Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): 13.7 Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): 28.2 To alleviate symptoms of dizziness and fatigue, it is advisable...

Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, a blood test is just one indicator for assessing overall health. It is recommended that you return for a follow-up or consult with a physician in internal medicine or family medicine. Thank you.

Understanding Arm Vascular Hardening: Causes and Remedies

Arterial sclerosis in the arm? I experienced hypocalcemia due to thyroid gland removal and was hospitalized for 24 days. My left forearm became hardened from IV insertion, and the nurse said it would improve with ice packs. After four weeks, they couldn't draw blood, and the...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For vascular issues, you can consult a vascular surgeon. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed

HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello Doctor, I apologize if I am repeating a question as I forgot whether I successfully asked it last time! I had unprotected sexual intercourse in June of last year, and a month later I took a rapid blood test which was negative. In January of this ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it has been more than six months, the possibility of HIV can be ruled out. 2. If you are still concerned, you can visit a nearby medical facility for further consultation and testing.

Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients

Issues related to syphilis infection? Hello Doctor, I was recently screened and found to have a syphilis infection (I have never been infected before). I usually do rapid tests, and my last rapid test was negative over six months ago. Since then, I have not experienced any sympto...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, you need to confirm whether it is a first-time infection, and if treatment was received within a year, only then is it possible to achieve a dual negative result, i.e., RPR/TPHA (-/-); otherwise, it often remains positive. 2. The level of the index indicates the strength o...

Understanding HIV Testing: Can I Trust My Negative Results?

HIV testing issues Hello Doctor: I engaged in high-risk behavior on October 16. On April 1 of the following year, I used the Orasure saliva rapid test, which was negative. Then, on April 25, I conducted the Bayer blood rapid test, which was also negative. During this period, I di...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a period of six months has surpassed the window period for HIV, so if one is infected, it is usually detectable. However, all tests carry the possibility of false negatives, especially rapid tests, which have a slightly higher chance of false negatives ...

Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?

Can antibody rapid tests completely avoid infections? In June of last year, I had a risky sexual encounter, and more than a month later, I took a blood rapid test (Kenvair) which was negative. Then in December of last year, due to my concerns, I took the OraQuick HIV Self-Test, a...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If the window period has exceeded 3 to 6 months, you can be reassured. 2. If there are still other concerns, you may consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.

Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...

Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?

Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot? Yesterday, on June 14th, I was punctured on the inner side of my foot by a rusty metal object while outside my home. At the time, it didn't penetrate completely; I felt something poke my foot and immediately moved away. There was a smal...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. According to the literature, even if the wound is clean or very minor, if you have never received a tetanus vaccine before or if it has been more than 10 years since your last vaccination, it is advisable to get vaccinated. There is no data avai...

Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy

Blood infection During a prenatal check-up, blood was drawn, and immediately after the previous pregnant woman had her blood drawn, I was called to sit down. As I sat down, I noticed an alcohol swab on the table that was contaminated with blood from the previous patient. The nurs...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes after leaving the human body, and its survival rate is even lower in the presence of alcohol-based disinfectants. 2. The primary viruses that can be transmitted through needles are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV; however, transmission...

Understanding Your Exercise ECG Report: Key Insights for Patients

Please have the physician assist in reviewing the exercise electrocardiogram report? Please assist in reviewing whether the exercise electrocardiogram report is normal. Thank you very much! Order Date: June 1, 2024 Examination Date: June 7, 2024 Conclusions: 1) Target he...

Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
The exercise electrocardiogram report indicates that cardiac function is good under high-intensity exercise, with no significant signs of ischemic heart disease. However, non-specific ST-T changes and premature atrial contractions (PACs) were noted during the exercise, and furthe...

Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission

Oral ulcer Hello, I have a few questions for the doctor. 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. I have undergone blood tests at a major hospital, and everything came back normal. I have been taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, which has improved my ...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. Blood tests at a major hospital showed no issues. Taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, has improved my symptoms, but they recur after reducing the dosage...

Does Drinking Sugary Beverages All Day Cause Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance Hello, Doctor: If I drink a cup of sugary bubble tea throughout the day (taking a few sips intermittently), will this cause my blood sugar levels to fluctuate continuously and potentially lead to insulin resistance?

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Consuming a large amount of sugary beverages at once or intermittently can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which may result in insulin resistance. To maintain health, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary drinks.

Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Results Explained

HIV testing issues? If a person has not engaged in any high-risk behaviors for a month, consistently used condoms, and the sexual partner is a girlfriend, and the Multiplex NAT test results from blood donation are negative, can it be confirmed that there is no HIV infection? Addi...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is important to determine whether you are an HIV-positive individual. If so, are you adhering to your medication regimen and keeping your viral load at an undetectable level? 2. Next, if you are not infected but have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STI...

Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: My son is 14 years old (in the second year of junior high school). Three months ago, he experienced unexplained swelling in the second joint of his toe, with no other discomfort. At that time, the doctor ordered blood tes...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my thoughts: 1. We will not retest for HLA-B27. 2. If the inflammatory markers are normal (such as CRP and ESR), and there is only swelling in the toes without other symptoms, we might consider using anti-inflammatory pain relief medic...

Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver

Parasitic questions? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to inquire about a situation where my family and I consumed pig liver soup tonight, and we ate undercooked pig liver that was even oozing blood. Each person had about six pieces of pig liver. I would like to ask the following quest...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is not much risk; parasites will die if they are slightly heated, and tapeworms are not typically found in pig liver. 2. The same applies here. The main risk comes from consuming raw pork; even if parasites are frozen, they will die, so it is not that easy to get infec...

Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks from Blood Draw Practices

Concerns about HIV infection? Hello Dr. Lin, this week when I went to a small clinic for the adult health check organized by the National Health Administration, the nurse used a brand new, unopened needle for the blood draw, but it seemed that the syringe was not brand new and un...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, what you are seeing is likely not a syringe, but rather the casing used for a fixed needle. During blood draw, the blood is directly drawn into a vacuum blood collection tube, so a syringe is not needed. Additionally, the casing for the fixed needle does not come into cont...

Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns

Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...

Understanding Right Arm Pain: Possible Causes and Solutions

Right lower arm pain and joint pain? On May 9th, I ate a lemon tart containing almond flour, and immediately felt pain in my lower right arm. This pain has now persisted as joint pain in my right arm, making it difficult to open a water bottle cap and my motorcycle key lock. I ha...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the pain has persisted since May 9, it is advisable to have a physician evaluate the situation. We need to properly assess the condition of the joint pain. Vitamin B12 does not have analgesic effects, and high cholesterol is less likely to ca...

Previous｜Page ｜Next