Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Insights for Your Health
Blood disorders In March, I experienced recurrent episodes of urticaria every 2 to 3 days. On April 2, I visited the rheumatology and immunology department for an examination. The doctor ordered blood tests to check liver and kidney function. Upon reviewing the report, I noticed ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. Serum creatinine (CRE) is 0.48, white blood cell count shows NEUT 6220, N.seg 77.8, Lym 17.6. The CRE indicates kidney function, while the other values reflect white blood cell counts. Although the...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Insights for Your Health
Understanding Capillary Rupture and Autoimmune Disorders in the Legs
Capillary rupture and bleeding in the legs? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am currently experiencing capillary inflammation in my calves, which has led to subcutaneous bleeding, and I am experiencing widespread pain, particularly in my legs. I visited a dermatologist who said it is not an ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. There are many causes for inflammation of the small blood vessels in the legs, and it would be advisable to discuss this with your physician to determine if blood tests should be arranged. Most cases are minor issues, including viral infections,...[Read More] Understanding Capillary Rupture and Autoimmune Disorders in the Legs
Is Blood Leakage After Blood Draw Normal? Concerns About Infection
Blood draw issues? It is normal to see some blood on the needle after a blood draw, as there may be a small amount of blood that seeps out when the needle is removed. The nurse typically places the needle in a biohazard bag for safety, and any blood present is usually contained w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the phenomenon of overflow bleeding you mentioned is normal. It will not affect your test results and will not cause any infection, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is Blood Leakage After Blood Draw Normal? Concerns About Infection
Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Persistent cough and fever? Hello, my mother has been coughing since the beginning of this year. In February, she had a fever and went to the hospital where she underwent X-rays, a CT scan, and a bronchoscopy. The X-ray only showed slight fluid accumulation below the ribs. Her sp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, viral infections, bacterial infections, and medication factors can all affect liver function and lead to elevated liver enzyme levels. In a CT scan, the liver typically appears normal despite these three factors. If you are currently hospitalized...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetic patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections. His HbA1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since early March, he has suddenly started ex...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If diarrhea persists, please visit a gastroenterology department at a medical center. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Blood sugar exceeds? Hello, doctor. I am currently 176 cm tall and at my heaviest, I weighed 103 kg. I have now reduced my weight to 89 kg and am continuing to lose weight. My body fat percentage is 23% (down from 32% at my heaviest) and my visceral fat is 12 (down from 16 at my ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: If you have acanthosis nigricans, it is recommended to test for hemoglobin A1c. If the result is between 5.7 and 6.4, it indicates prediabetes.[Read More] Understanding Acanthosis Nigricans and Blood Sugar Levels: A Guide
Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant Patients
Consultation on kidney function tests and medication after hair transplantation? Hello, Doctor. I am 31 years old with a creatinine level of 1.1 and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 82.9. At 27 years old, my creatinine was 1.2 with an eGFR of 77.8, and at 26 year...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
I usually love to eat meat and consume very few vegetables, but next month I will undergo hair transplantation. The hair transplant physician advised me to take Boscal (1/3) and also to add a blood pressure medication, Lornidine 10 mg (1/4 is 2.5 mg). He mentioned that this medic...[Read More] Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant Patients
Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Diarrhea in diabetic patients My father has been a diabetic patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections. His hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he has ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If diarrhea persists, please visit the gastroenterology department at a medical center. Thank you.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Diabetic Patients: Causes and Solutions
Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Diarrhea in diabetic patients? My father has been a diabetes patient for 30 years and is now 77 years old. He controls his blood sugar with insulin injections, and his hemoglobin A1c levels have been normal during his quarterly check-ups. However, since the beginning of March, he...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The blood sugar medications that are more likely to cause diarrhea are metformin and acarbose. If the diarrhea is not caused by these medications, further follow-up with a gastroenterologist is still necessary.[Read More] Managing Diarrhea in Long-Term Diabetes Patients: A Guide for Caregivers
Understanding Kidney Issues: The Significance of Proteinuria and Creatinine Levels
Kidney issues (proteinuria) Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL) Urine Protein: 42.0 * mg/dL < 14 ACR: 275.16 * µg/mg Creatinine (<30) Protein/(Creatinine/1000): 449.68 mg/g Serum Creatinine: 1.07 Doctor, I have...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Mao, Regarding your concerns about proteinuria, kidney function, and kidney biopsy, here are some suggestions for your consideration: 1. You may want to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of a kidney biopsy with your physician. An excerpt from UpToDate states, "...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: The Significance of Proteinuria and Creatinine Levels
Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant
Consultation on kidney function tests and medication after hair transplantation? Hello Dr. Wu, I am 31 years old. In 2022, my serum creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 82.9; in 2021, my serum creatinine was 1.11 mg/dL with a GFR of 78.3; in 2020, m...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, first: if your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is greater than 60 and there is no proteinuria or hematuria, your kidney function should be considered normal. Second: after hair transplantation, it is recommended to take minoxidil. Since this medication is ...[Read More] Assessing Kidney Function and Medication Safety for Hair Transplant
Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Fibromyalgia and hand numbness? Hello, doctor. I have been suffering from hand pain and numbness for about three years. Initially, I was examined at two major hospitals in central Taiwan, and they both indicated issues related to autoimmune rheumatic arthritis. I was on medicatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The numbness you are experiencing is likely not related to fibromyalgia; it seems more probable that it is due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be confirmed through neurological examinations while ruling out cervical spine ...[Read More] Managing Hand Numbness in Fibromyalgia: Seeking the Right Specialist
Understanding EB Virus: Implications for Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Beyond
About Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Three months ago, my health check report indicated a positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) test for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A few days later, I had an appointment with an otolaryngologist who performed an endoscopic examination of my nasopharynx, whic...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, EBV (Epstein-Barr Virus) is a very common virus, and almost everyone gets infected at some point in their lives. Most people will recover on their own, while a minority may experience some infectious symptoms. An even smaller number may have a long-term association with ca...[Read More] Understanding EB Virus: Implications for Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Beyond
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I am currently on day four of quarantine. Since the first night of quarantine, I have felt an increase in body temperature and warmth. (In previous years, I occasionally felt feverish, with temperatures around the mid-36s, sometimes reaching 37.3,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a common cold and COVID-19, so it may still be necessary to perform a PCR test or a rapid test for confirmation. 2. There are many possible causes of fever, and a detailed examination may be required to deter...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Inquire about blood lipid and blood glucose issues? Hello: I have a lipid issue and have been taking traditional Chinese medicine and Lipitor for about six months. My last blood test results on February 21 showed: LDL: 185, HDL: 60, total cholesterol: 249, triglycerides: 67, bloo...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Your blood glucose is currently within the fasting range of 70-100 mg/dL, and your hemoglobin A1c is between 4-6%. Whether there are issues with your blood vessels can be determined based on your symptoms or through examinations. Generally, these conditions require long-te...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Do You Need to Retest for HIV After a Negative Result?
HIV testing issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if I broke up before June 2019 and tested negative for HIV around November 2020 with a result of 0.10. Do I need to get tested again? Thank you. Could you please explain why the result was 0.10?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the HIV test results may not be "0" due to impurities in the blood, but as long as they are within the normal range, they can be considered negative, indicating no infection. Regarding your situation, if you have not engaged in sexual activity from June 2019 to N...[Read More] Do You Need to Retest for HIV After a Negative Result?
Understanding HIV Testing: Safety Concerns and Antibody Detection
HIV infection 1. Hello, doctor: I recently purchased an HIV test kit (Kenvair) from the pharmacy, which is currently offered by the Centers for Disease Control. I would like to ask if this test kit detects antibodies, does it contain any components of the HIV virus itself? After ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The reagent contains artificially synthesized compounds similar to HIV antigens, which have no infectious capability and are not HIV viruses. 2. Hello, there have been no reported cases of infection under the conditions you described, so it is unlikely that infection wo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Safety Concerns and Antibody Detection
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Glucose tolerance test Dear Doctor, I recently underwent a glucose tolerance test at the hospital, and the results are as follows: Hemoglobin A1c 5.5%, OGTT: Fasting—96 mg/dL; 30 minutes—167 mg/dL; 60 minutes—212 mg/dL; 90 minutes—174 mg/dL; 120 minutes—132 mg/dL. The outpatient...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is more closely associated with early and late insulin secretion deficiencies. If there are abnormalities in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it can be confirmed again the next day. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes are: (1) sympt...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I had a company health check before the New Year, and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6 and my blood glucose was 86. At the end of March, due to feeling unwell, I tested my postprandial blood glucose and it was 155. The...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there are concerns that hemoglobin A1c levels may be affected by anemia, glycated albumin can be tested; the impact of anemia on hemoglobin A1c levels is difficult to estimate.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Liver enzyme levels are normal but higher than the values from three years ago? Hello, doctor: I am 40 years old and a carrier of hepatitis B. I have been undergoing regular abdominal ultrasounds and blood tests every six months at Renai Hospital in Taipei. Each time, the results...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the AFP level is 2.42, ALT is 35, and AST is 27, all of which are within the normal range, indicating no inflammation. You may consider testing for hepatitis B viral load for a comprehensive assessment. You can compare all the series of follow-up data; they should remain w...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?