Managing Ascites: Navigating Kidney and Liver Issues in Advanced Disease
It is unclear whether the ascites is caused by kidney issues or liver problems. How can this be addressed? I have hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Targeted therapy was interrupted due to side effects, and the hospital suddenly informed us that I am now in the late stage ...
Dr. Yan Qitai Reply:
Considering your condition, it is recommended to continue follow-up visits and treatment with the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department as well as the Nephrology Department. The physician will provide appropriate medical advice based on your condition during each visit. Depa...[Read More] Managing Ascites: Navigating Kidney and Liver Issues in Advanced Disease
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Recently, during my internship at the hospital, someone left an alcohol swab contaminated with a patient's blood on the table. While I was reaching for gloves, my finger accidentally touched it. I have a habit of picking at my thumb, so I'm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a medical facility's health check center for a physical examination. During the blood draw, the nurse used an alcohol swab for disinfection and then placed the swab on the table. After completing the blood draw, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
Needle Injury Concerns: Risk of Infection and What to Do Next
Needle stick injury and infection concerns? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about something. Today, I went to buy a sewing needle for leather shoes (it's a bit thicker than a regular needle, and the tip is sharpened into a triangular shape). The male shop owner, who l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, needle stick injuries typically occur shortly after blood is drawn, as the needle may still harbor viable viruses that pose a potential risk of transmission. If the injury occurs two hours later, the likelihood of viable viruses remaining is quite low, and the risk of tran...[Read More] Needle Injury Concerns: Risk of Infection and What to Do Next
Understanding BC Hepatitis and HPV Screening After Risky Behavior
Hepatitis B and HPV screening issues? Hello Doctor: Recently, I engaged in high-risk behavior (unprotected oral sex with a female) and would like to get tested for hepatitis B and C. I found online that the window period for hepatitis B and C testing is between 3 to 6 months, but...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If the window period has passed and there is an infection, it will definitely be detectable. 2. If necessary, you can conduct self-testing or anonymous testing. 3. For information regarding HPV, you can refer to the following resource: https://health.esdlife.com/shop/hk/co...[Read More] Understanding BC Hepatitis and HPV Screening After Risky Behavior
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I am currently interning, and someone placed an alcohol swab contaminated with a patient's blood on the table. While I was reaching for gloves, my finger accidentally touched it. I have a habit of picking at my thumb, and I'm not sure if ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, viruses die quickly outside the human body, so the risk of indirect contact (where the virus transfers from blood to an alcohol swab and then enters your wound) is quite low. Furthermore, alcohol has a strong virucidal effect, so in the case of a single incident, I believe...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
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
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
HIV infection I went to the local health bureau for an HIV test on July 17th. Before the blood draw, I had a brief conversation with the doctor. The method used was a fingerstick rapid test (a purple square device was used to prick my fingertip). Since I was washing my hands at t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Since there have been clusters of hepatitis C cases in some medical institutions, there have been instances of needle reuse. If a needle is used for the first time but is old, there may be issues with infection. Safety needles, as the name implies, are designed for single use; on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
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
Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis
Sjögren's syndrome and sialography? Hello Doctor, (I forgot to attach the data and there were some missing words, so I am asking again.) My immunologist diagnosed me with possible reactive arthritis. Recently, after hearing that I have dry eye syndrome, the doctor arranged f...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. My doctor told me that my salivary gland function is impaired, likely due to arthritis-related xerostomia, which is different from typical dry mouth. Can reactive arthritis also lead to symptoms of dry mouth? Is it po...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth: Salivary Gland Function and Reactive Arthritis
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?
Risk of Infection from Using a Potentially Used Hair Removal Razor
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Today I used a newly purchased hair removal razor to remove hair from my intimate area, but I found that the blade was already dull after use. I suspect it might be a returned item, as the packaging was just a simple adhesive type that does not con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in sexual activities such as oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids ...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Using a Potentially Used Hair Removal Razor