Blood, Internal Medicine FAQ - Page 8

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Risks of HIV Infection from Fingerstick Blood Sampling in Hospitals

Blood draw needle infection Doctor, when conducting HIV testing in a hospital using fingerstick blood sampling, is a new lancet used for each individual? If the lancet is not changed and the previous person tested positive for HIV, would using the same lancet for my blood sample ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Medical institutions dispose of used needles and do not reuse them, so there is no risk of transmitting HIV.

[Read More] Risks of HIV Infection from Fingerstick Blood Sampling in Hospitals


Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Used Gaming Consoles

Risk of HIV Infection If I buy a second-hand gaming console and touch my mouth without cleaning my hands, can I get infected with HIV (especially if there are small wounds in my mouth and on my hands)? The console does not have any visible fluids, but I am concerned that the prev...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal sex without a condom with an HIV-infected individual poses a risk of infection through the exchange of...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Used Gaming Consoles


Understanding the Window Period for STI Testing: Your Concerns Addressed

Window period for a ten-in-one STI test? Hello doctor, I had a high-risk sexual encounter on October 9th last year and subsequently contracted Chlamydia, which has made me very worried about the possibility of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I received treatment and...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes. 2. First, maintain personal hygiene and ensure adequate hydration. Next, using condoms during sexual contact with strangers is essential for safe sex.

[Read More] Understanding the Window Period for STI Testing: Your Concerns Addressed


Is Finger Trembling a Side Effect of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Abnormalities?

Is finger tremor a side effect manifestation of "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities" caused by taking Seroquel? Hello, Doctor. I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis about three years ago. I have been taking Salazopyrin for appr...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is this a manifestation of "central and peripheral nervous system abnormalities" as a side effect? --> If you have an irregular eating pattern, the likelihood of experiencing side effects related to the ...

[Read More] Is Finger Trembling a Side Effect of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Abnormalities?


Understanding Unexplained Inflammatory Pain: A Guide for Young Adults

Unexplained inflammatory pain? I am currently 23 years old. I started experiencing occasional knee pain in middle school, but it wasn't particularly severe. The frequency of inflammation and pain has increased with age. Since high school, I have also had issues with inflamma...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that conditions such as "recurrent rheumatic disease" can be monitored in the field of immunology and rheumatology. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is...

[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Inflammatory Pain: A Guide for Young Adults


Understanding Subclinical Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms vs. Lab Values

Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the definition of severe hyperthyroidism. Does it refer to the severity of symptoms or the laboratory values? A family member experienced delusions and went to the hospital for evaluation. During blood tests, they w...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The psychiatric symptoms caused by methimazole are usually less severe. Additionally, testing for TSH receptor antibodies can assist in the evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Subclinical Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms vs. Lab Values


Understanding the Implications of Thyroid Disorders in Medical Diagnoses

The diagnosis of "thyroid disorders" signifies a range of medical conditions that affect the thyroid gland, which is responsible for regulating metabolism, growth, and development through the production of hormones. These disorders can include hypothyroidism, hyperthyro...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. "Thyroid disorders" were hypothesized based on the symptoms you presented during your initial consultation, which is why a thyroid function test was arranged. If the thyroid function is normal, there will be no diagnosis of hyperthyroi...

[Read More] Understanding the Implications of Thyroid Disorders in Medical Diagnoses


Can You Contract HIV from Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?

Masturbation-related infection If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, does not wash their hands, and then engages in masturbation with broken skin on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV infection?


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses...

[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?


Can You Get HIV from Touching with Lubricated Hands?

Will this lead to an HIV infection? I touched the inside of a girl's vagina with my hand that had lubricant on it, and then immediately touched my own glans. I am not circumcised, and I was wearing a condom the entire time. Is there a risk of transmitting HIV in this situati...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...

[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching with Lubricated Hands?


Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps

Persistent low-grade fever Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent low-grade fevers since last Friday afternoon, and it has now been a week with no improvement. I visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed Tamiflu, but it has not been effective. My symptoms include per...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you go to the infectious disease department for further blood tests. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps


Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions

Dry mouth and dry tongue? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing dry mouth and dry tongue for the past three weeks. My mouth feels very dry every day, and drinking water does not help. This has somewhat affected my daily life. Prior to the dry mouth symptoms, I was taking Loraze...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Imipramine may cause dry mouth. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Causes, Medications, and Solutions


Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: I had a blood test done in December. Since both of my parents have diabetes and my weight has decreased from 64 kg in mid-August to only 59 kg recently, I am very anxious about my blood sugar...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is an indicator of the average blood glucose levels over the past three months. The most significant factor affecting it is the blood glucose level itself. The primary influences on blood glucose are diet and lifestyle. Mild anemia does not have...

[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin A1c: Concerns About Blood Sugar and Anemia


Do Low Glycemic Foods Affect Hemoglobin A1c Levels?

Do low glycemic index foods affect glycated hemoglobin levels? Hello doctor, I had a hemoglobin A1c test in November that showed 5.3, and in December, it was 5.6. This past month, aside from meat and fats, I increased my intake of avocados, nuts, and 100% chocolate. I added appro...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If the nuts are unsweetened and the chocolate is completely sugar-free, they should have little impact on blood sugar levels. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Do Low Glycemic Foods Affect Hemoglobin A1c Levels?


Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Medical Settings

Risk of HIV Infection I went to get an injection previously, and the nurse placed an alcohol swab (which was almost dry) and the needle on a metal tray to administer the shot. After the injection, she used that same swab to apply pressure to the injection site. Upon reflection, I...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual, or exchanging other bodily fluids, carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into con...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Medical Settings


Understanding Positive Urinary Protein: When to Seek Further Evaluation

Urinary protein issue? Hello Dr. Huang, I recently underwent a general health check-up, which included blood and urine tests. When I received the report, the nurse mentioned that everything was normal, but I noticed that my urine protein was positive at 1+, while all other result...


Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello, a urine protein result of 1+ does not necessarily indicate a problem. If you are concerned, you may want to schedule an appointment with a nephrologist (remember to bring your health check report). Additionally, postural proteinuria is a condition where "normal indivi...

[Read More] Understanding Positive Urinary Protein: When to Seek Further Evaluation


Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences

Is syphilis invisible? Last February, I suddenly woke up with a fever, a type of fever I had never experienced before. A few days later, I discovered a half-spherical mass the size of a ping pong ball on my cervix. Initially, I thought I had cancer. After a month, the ulcerous sm...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. Your description is quite vivid; however, the Treponema pallidum is not that miraculous. It can be cured with a course of penicillin. B. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the modes of transmission are as follows: 1. Close contact during sexual ...

[Read More] Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences


Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 97 Mean?

Fasting blood glucose issues Hello Doctor, I recently received my health check report, which shows that my fasting blood glucose level is 97, which is close to the maximum reference value of 100. The night before the test, I was too busy and only ate two tea eggs for dinner, and ...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, it is considered normal. If there is a family history of diabetes or if you are overweight, you may consider testing for hemoglobin A1c. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels: What Does 97 Mean?


Can Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed? Medications and Tests Explained

Can stage 3a chronic kidney disease be reversed? What medications are available? The patient has diabetes with a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level maintained at 6.5%. Triglycerides are at 110 mg/dL, uric acid at 4.6 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at 88.2 mg/dL, ...


Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Paul, your creatinine level is 135 mg/dL, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is listed as 1.35 mg/dL, which seems to be incorrect. Please provide the correct values, thank you! (The unit for glomerular filtration rate is ml/min/1.73 m², not mg/dL.) Additionally, a...

[Read More] Can Stage 3a Chronic Kidney Disease Be Reversed? Medications and Tests Explained


Understanding HIV Testing: Can You Rule Out Infection After Risky Behavior?

HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a female online friend in early April. I went to a medical testing center in mid-April for an HIV antibody test, which came back negative. On May 8, I noticed inflammation of the glans and visited a urolog...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, after the window period, HIV infection can be ruled out. 2. Currently, the accuracy of anonymous screening or blood tests in the country is over 95%. 3. Engaging in unsafe sexual practices may also pose a risk for other sexually transmitted infections; therefore, usin...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can You Rule Out Infection After Risky Behavior?


Risk of Infection from Toilet Cleaning: What You Need to Know

Regarding infections? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if there is a possibility of infection if my mouth came into contact with a toilet trash picker while cleaning the restroom. Thank you for your assistance.


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the transmission routes of HIV: There are three main modes of transmission for the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a ri...

[Read More] Risk of Infection from Toilet Cleaning: What You Need to Know


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