Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Infection risk Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Regarding the test values related to hepatitis B..? Due to engaging in risky behavior and concerns about infection, I had blood tests for Hepatitis B and C. The HBsAg value was 0.11 (Negative) and the HBsAb value was 11.3 mIU/mL. I was tested approximately 5 weeks after the incid...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: According to the test results, since antibodies are already present, there is no need for vaccination. An HBsAb level of <10 IU/L is considered negative, while >=10 IU/L is considered positive. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Assessing Hepatitis B and C Risks for Dental Assistants: Key Insights
Dental assistant needle stick At the end of May 2024, the patient reported a history of hepatitis B or C but is unsure of the stage. The health check report from July 2022 showed positive Anti-HBs and negative HBs Ag. What is the likelihood of hepatitis B infection? Is it necessa...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If HBsAb is positive and the titer is sufficiently high (>100 IU), there should be no concern about hepatitis B infection. 2. As a healthcare worker who has experienced a needlestick injury, you can seek consultation and follow-up testing at any medical facility, which wi...[Read More] Assessing Hepatitis B and C Risks for Dental Assistants: Key Insights
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hello doctor, today I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for PEP treatment, and the doctor prescribed me BikTarVy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication? If so, how long should I wait after...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the precautions for using Loxone (Tadalafil): When using Loxone film-coated tablets, please adhere to the following precautions and medication recommendations: - Follow the physician's prescription: Before using Loxone film-coated tablets, obtain an ...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
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,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
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...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
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...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks from Blood Draw Practices
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...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Infection issues Hello, I apologize for the previous question. I would like to ask again: on March 24, I got a haircut and was accidentally cut on the neck, causing a small piece of skin to bleed. There is dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the perso...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
It can be said yes, but it can also be said no; to transmit bloodborne diseases (including HIV and hepatitis B/C), aside from direct contact like sharing needles among drug users, the risk of transmission through other wound exposure is relatively low. If you are concerned, you m...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Regarding contact with another person's blood? Hello Dr. Lin, my family member needs to check their blood sugar, but they cannot operate the device and cannot see, so I assist them. Today, my family member bled more than usual, and when I was about to discard the test strip,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there are many diseases that can be transmitted through exposure to blood and bodily fluids. The ones that are usually of particular concern are HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It would be advisable to first check if any of your family members have a history o...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, doctor: (1) Last month, I went to a private laboratory for a blood test. Normally, the procedure is to draw blood first and then pay, but that day I paid first before the blood draw. The technician counted out change for me using seven one-hund...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, it is important to note that the HIV virus can only survive outside the human body for about 10 minutes. Therefore, unless the other person is covered in fresh blood and is in direct contact with your open wound, the risk of infection is very low. If you still have concern...[Read More] Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Understanding Blood Test Results: Interpreting Anti-HBc and HCV Ab Findings
Blood Test Report Doctor, I have a question. Because a family member has herpes zoster and needs to get an injection, I had blood drawn at National Cheng Kung University. Is it normal for the blood test report to show the following results? Anti-HBc test result: Repeatedly reacti...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: A negative HBsAg combined with a positive Anti-HBc may indicate a past infection with the hepatitis B virus; a positive HCV Ab indicates a hepatitis C infection. This preliminary interpretation of the blood test results regarding hepatitis B and C is suggested to be discus...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Interpreting Anti-HBc and HCV Ab Findings
Understanding Hepatitis B and C: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis
Report issues? If someone has never had hepatitis B, does that mean they have definitely not been infected? What are the symptoms of hepatitis C, how can one contract it, and how can it be confirmed as hepatitis C? What should one pay attention to? Thank you.
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello: For issues related to hepatitis, please consult the outpatient clinic that ordered the tests or the gastroenterology and hepatology department. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B and C: Symptoms, Risks, and Diagnosis
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for STIs: Key Questions and Dietary Guidelines
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. I had unprotected vaginal intercourse with an unfamiliar woman (without a condom and with ejaculation) and took PEP medication 25 hours later. I also h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. There are no dietary restrictions while using the guitar vein; it can be used at any time or not used at all. 2. The protective effect of the hepatitis B vaccine diminishes over time; if you are required to work in a healthcare facility, it is recommended that you get tested...[Read More] Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for STIs: Key Questions and Dietary Guidelines
Can I Use Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis with Reactive HBc IgG?
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the use of biologics for psoriatic arthritis? Hello, doctor. I have psoriatic arthritis, and one out of three doctors has applied for a biologic agent for me (currently under review). However, one of my blood test results shows HBc IgG...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive HBc-IgG indicates that you have had a past infection and may still have latent hepatitis B virus. You can still use biologics, but it is important to regularly monitor the hepatitis B virus load to check for any reactivation during tr...[Read More] Can I Use Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis with Reactive HBc IgG?
Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy After Hepatitis C Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I was at high risk and then contracted Hepatitis C but did not take any medication, and after a 3-month window period my HIV test result was negative, is this result still accurate? This is a hypothetical question, as I h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The window periods for HIV and Hepatitis C are 3-12 weeks and 4-10 weeks, respectively. 2. Regarding the frequency of HIV screening for the public, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following: Individuals who are sexually active should undergo at least one H...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy After Hepatitis C Exposure
Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy with Concurrent Hepatitis C Infection
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, if a person is co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C, and has not taken any treatment for Hepatitis C or antiretroviral therapy, is the HIV test still accurate after a 3-month window period? I have come across information online suggesting that Hep...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Previous literature suggested that infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) might prolong the window period for HIV, hence it was recommended to monitor for up to one year. However, if you have recently tested negative for HCV, then there is no concern for HCV, and the window perio...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy with Concurrent Hepatitis C Infection
Understanding HIV and Hepatitis C Testing: Key Questions Answered
HIV-related issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I used the Abbott fourth-generation HIV rapid test on days 99 and 117 after potential exposure, and both results were negative. Additionally, I had no risk behaviors within the 117 days. Can I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. According to the current follow-up recommendations, it is advisable to monitor for 2. The window period for Hepatitis C can last up to 6 months, so it is generally recommended to follow up for a duration of six months.[Read More] Understanding HIV and Hepatitis C Testing: Key Questions Answered
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? 1. I used the Abbott HIV fourth-generation rapid test on day 90 and day 99 after a high-risk exposure, and both tests were negative. Additionally, I had no risk behaviors during these 99 days. Can I be certain that I have ruled out the risk of infection? 2. A...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, if using a fourth-generation rapid test, a negative result at four months can essentially rule out HIV infection. Therefore, a negative result at 99 days may still carry a very low probability of encountering an extended window period (though this is also e...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Persistent Positive COVID-19 Test: What You Need to Know
Persistent positivity after COVID-19 diagnosis? Hello Doctor: I tested positive on November 9 and started taking molnupiravir, completing a five-day course. After that, the second line on the test strip became faint, but the next day it started to darken again. As of today, Novem...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Patients with complications from COVID-19 require isolation. It is recommended to wear a mask and monitor for any worsening symptoms. You may discuss with your original physician, and if you experience any discomfort or have questions, please consult the infectious disease outpat...[Read More] Persistent Positive COVID-19 Test: What You Need to Know