Understanding Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Hello, doctor. I have hepatitis B and have been following up with a gastroenterologist while taking antiviral medication. My serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) readings are as follows: - June 2016: 0.84 mg/dL, G...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can go to a nephrology department for a detailed examination and evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes
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 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
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
Understanding Positive IgM in Coagulation Protein Tests: What It Means for Your Health
Cryoglobulin test The presence of cold agglutinins, indicated by a positive IgM (1+), suggests that your body may be producing antibodies that can cause red blood cells to clump together at lower temperatures. This condition can be associated with various underlying issues, inclu...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to return to the rheumatology clinic for follow-up, as further examinations may be necessary. The presence of cryoglobulinemia is related to many factors, with hepatitis C being the most common. Even if hepatitis C tests are no...[Read More] Understanding Positive IgM in Coagulation Protein Tests: What It Means for Your Health
Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital
Risk of blood infection from being cut by scissors used by a nurse in the hospital? Hello Doctor: A few months ago, my child was hospitalized for pneumonia for 5 days. On the day of discharge, while the nurse was removing the IV bandage, she accidentally cut my child's littl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual po...[Read More] Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
HIV testing issues? On June 5th, I had blood tests done at the provincial hospital, and the health record showed the following urine general examination and syphilis test items: - Treponema pallidum antibody test - Bacterial culture identification test (including general bacteri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For HIV-related inquiries, please contact the Infectious Diseases Department. If this is regarding health check-up items, please call the Health Management Center or the Laboratory Department.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Will I contract any diseases? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: Over three years ago, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker and kissed a girl. Because I was inexperienced, my teeth accidentally poked her mouth (I am not sure if it was her lips or the insid...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is always a certain risk of disease transmission with exposure to blood and bodily fluids. However, unless there is significant bleeding, the risk of transmission for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis is quite low. On the other hand, viruses such as cytomeg...[Read More] Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Food Contamination Risks: Understanding Infection from Blood on Toast
Foodborne infection issues Hello, doctor! One day while I was having breakfast, I noticed some blood spots on my toast, approximately 0.3 centimeters in size, around two or three spots. I discovered the blood after I had already eaten part of the toast, and I'm uncertain whe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If you are a healthy individual, there is certainly no issue; however, if you share the same piece of bread with someone else, you need to inquire about their health status. 2. The situation is as described in point 1.[Read More] Food Contamination Risks: Understanding Infection from Blood on Toast
Which Specialist Should I See for Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort?
Not sure which specialty to see? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing discomfort in my upper right abdomen (not a constant pain, nor a sharp pain) for almost two years. It feels like there is something inside, and occasionally pressing on the right upper rib causes pain. I con...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, 1. The CA125 level is 47; it is recommended to follow up with a gynecologist. 2. For upper abdominal pain and rib pain, if liver, gallbladder, and gastrointestinal diseases have been ruled out, it is advisable to consult a cardiologist for further evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Right Upper Abdomen Discomfort?
Can You Get HIV or STDs from Contaminated Food with Mouth Sores?
About infections? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if food contains HIV, hepatitis B, C, or syphilis viruses, and I have a cut in my mouth that comes into contact with these viruses, will I contract these diseases? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of infection for these diseases. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV or STDs from Contaminated Food with Mouth Sores?
How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time (continued inquiry) Hello, Doctor: This is my original question for you: "Could you please tell me how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, warts, herpes, human papillomavirus, and Chlamydia can surviv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the bacteria or viruses you mentioned can survive for varying lengths of time depending on different environments, including the quantity present in bodily fluids, which can range from a few minutes to several weeks. It is difficult to generalize, and most do not have defi...[Read More] How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time Hello, doctor: I would like to ask how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea can survive in the general environment outside the human body. Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these pathogens die quickly after leaving a living host, so they are not transmitted through contact but rather through sexual activity and blood transmission. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Scratching Your Ear After Driving?
Possible infection Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. A relative of mine has hepatitis B, and after using his car and navigating for him, I scratched my ear with the same hand. Although my ear did not bleed, I accidentally scratched it a bit harder in the morning, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the ear pulling condition you mentioned will not lead to a hepatitis B infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Scratching Your Ear After Driving?
Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello, doctor: I have received the hepatitis B vaccine and have tested positive for antibodies (surface antibody 81, core antibody 0.10). A few days ago, while changing the dressing for an uncle with liver cirrhosis at the hospital, I accidentally...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/jlS2jBHpodI34ATlKUy3oQ): (1) Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are inf...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Using a Shared Electric Razor?
Transmission of Hepatitis B If your father has hepatitis B and you are using his old electric razor that he washed with water and air-dried (and you are unsure if it was cleaned properly), there is a potential risk of infection. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with inf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, if an old razor blade does not have fresh blood on it and you have not been cut by the blade, the risk of infection should be minimal. However, sharing razors is still not recommended. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Using a Shared Electric Razor?
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?
Blood glucose meter and hepatitis B? My mother is around 58 years old and has diabetes, so she purchased a blood glucose meter. She also has hepatitis B. I used the blood glucose meter once after she bought it, and I remember it wasn't long after her last use. At that time, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the only risk of infection is from the repeated use of needles that prick the finger. However, currently, disposable needles are commonly used, which reduces this concern. Therefore, based on your description, it should not lead to a hepatitis B infection. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Issues Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses through contact with infected blood. If a family member gets injured and bleeds on indoor shoes, and I have a cut on the sole of my foot, could I get infe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the hepatitis B vaccine should have been administered during childhood; however, over time, antibody levels may decline, leading to decreased protection. It is advisable to check with a nearby healthcare facility to see if protection is still present. 2. As for the hepa...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood tra...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room