Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
A low lymphocyte count and a neutrophil count near the upper limit of normal could potentially indicate various conditions, including HIV. However, these findings alone are not definitive for an HIV diagnosis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evalu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Regarding <My Story>, the response is as follows: 1. I discovered painful urination and purulent discharge in mid-December last year and immediately sought medical attention at a clinic. However, there was no discharge during the examination. The doctor administered an in...[Read More] Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Injury caused by a chest drainage tube? Today, I accidentally got stabbed by a broken glass tube while cleaning the chest drainage bottle. Should I see an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean water and has been left...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of accidentally being punctured by a broken glass tube while cleaning a chest drainage bottle today, is it necessary to consult an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The chest drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean wate...[Read More] Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Changes: Risks and Implications
Regarding the issue of hepatitis B antibodies? Hello Dr. Hong: I would like to ask you about the issue of hepatitis B antibodies. I am currently 60 years old. When I was younger, I was positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg+) and negative for hepatitis B surface antibody...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of surface antibodies typically indicates that your body has cleared the hepatitis B virus. As long as these antibodies are present, the risk of reinfection is relatively low. However, if the antibodies disappear, there is indeed a risk of infection. Additiona...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Changes: Risks and Implications
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results and Follow-Up Care
Issues with the health examination report? Hello, I was vaccinated when I was young, but it seems that I did not produce antibodies, so I was diagnosed as a carrier of hepatitis B last year. I have been monitored since then, and there have been no significant issues. My doctor ad...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you are already a carrier of hepatitis B, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine is no longer meaningful; regular follow-ups every six months are sufficient. Elevated eosinophil levels can have many causes, such as allergic diseases, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results and Follow-Up Care
Understanding the Risks of HIV and Hepatitis B from Toilet Exposure
Issues related to HIV and Hepatitis B virus infection? Hello, doctor. I accidentally got splashed by toilet water on my anus while using the restroom, and there is a wound on my anus (there is blood when I wipe with toilet paper). If the previous user had HIV or Hepatitis B and l...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question about hepatitis B, "I seem to have lost my antibodies during my high school tests, and I have not received any booster shots since then. If I get splashed with toilet water on a wound, could I get infected?" A: Generally, young...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of HIV and Hepatitis B from Toilet Exposure
Understanding Hepatitis Window Periods: Should You Worry After Blood Donation?
Screening issues I am worried about being accidentally pricked by a needle from a passerby, but I didn't feel anything and I'm still scared. Although various associations say that even if it happens, it's unlikely to lead to an infection, I still went for testing a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: A: Regarding the issue of the window period for post-exposure recall of hepatitis B and C, I checked with the blood donation center, and the window period for hepatitis B is 30 days and for hepatitis C is 23 days. Should I still be concerned about this? 1. The risk ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Window Periods: Should You Worry After Blood Donation?
Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis B After Using a Carrier's Toothpaste?
Using the same toothpaste as a carrier of Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Liao, my husband is 33 years old and does not have hepatitis B surface antigens or antibodies. Three days ago, he accidentally used a toothbrush that belonged to a hepatitis B carrier. He does not remember if he had...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the situation of my husband, who is 33 years old and has no hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or antibodies. Three days ago, he mistakenly used toothpaste that belonged to a hepatitis B carrier. He does not recall if he had any gum bleeding at that time....[Read More] Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis B After Using a Carrier's Toothpaste?
Is Vaccination Helpful After Being Diagnosed with Hepatitis B?
Is it beneficial to receive the vaccine after contracting hepatitis B? Hello, I would like to ask if receiving a vaccine is helpful after being confirmed to have hepatitis B. Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang Huo: Generally speaking, whether it is acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B, or even healthy carriers, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine should not be beneficial, and there is currently no evidence indicating a need for vaccination. If someone suggests that hepat...[Read More] Is Vaccination Helpful After Being Diagnosed with Hepatitis B?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Transmission, Symptoms, and Incubation Period
Hepatitis infection 1. Doctor, I would like to ask: If someone becomes infected with Hepatitis B due to certain reasons (such as acupuncture, blood transfusion, or tattoos), will they become a carrier? 2. If infected, how long does it typically take for symptoms to appear? I fou...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry related to the gastroenterology department under internal medicine, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng from the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan Hospital has provided the following response: 1. Modern blood banks conduct screening on all donated blood, so the...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Transmission, Symptoms, and Incubation Period
Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Inquiry about the significance of the test? Hello, doctor. In the past, I tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during a health check, so my company has been adding this test to my annual examinations. About 6-7 years ago, I consulted a rheumatologist who mentioned that s...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Albumin is naturally more abundant than globulin, so a slight increase is not a concern. 2. An ANA titer of 1:80 (+) is within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. 3. For a positive rheumatoid arthritis (...[Read More] Understanding the Significance of RA and Abnormal Test Results in Internal Medicine
Concerns About Possible Exposure to Bodily Fluids: What You Need to Know
Encountering a strange person who splashes liquid while walking? Hello Doctor, on Wednesday, May 11, I was chatting with a friend in an alley when a group of strange individuals walked by, seemingly under the influence of drugs. After they slowly passed in front of me, I felt an ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the sensation of an unknown salty liquid (several drops, possibly more than 5 or 6, uncertain) entering my mouth, during those days I also noticed that my mouth had wounds that bled when brushing my teeth. Upon closer inspection, I found that my gums had b...[Read More] Concerns About Possible Exposure to Bodily Fluids: What You Need to Know
Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Contact with Dried Blood and Mucous Membranes
Is there a risk of contracting bloodborne diseases after coming into contact with dried blood and then touching mucous membranes? Hello Doctor: Here’s what happened: While heading to class, I randomly chose a seat and initially thought the spots on the desk were just graffiti. Up...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "Can one contract HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, or hepatitis through contact with dried blood followed by contact with mucous membranes?" A: 1. Generally, blood and bodily fluids lose their infectious capability 15 minutes after leaving...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Contact with Dried Blood and Mucous Membranes
Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Floor and shoe sole Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor. After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Understanding Infection Risks from Shared Needles: What You Should Know
Disease transmission I borrowed a needle from a friend to sew some clothes. About six days later, after rinsing the needle with hot water for a few seconds, I used it to prick a pimple on my nose, which caused some bleeding. Now I'm a bit worried that if there was saliva lef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the questions asked, please consider (1) whether your friend has any illnesses and (2) the handling of needles. (1) Whether your friend has any illnesses: If your friend has bloodborne infections such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, then w...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Shared Needles: What You Should Know
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Hepatitis B carrier I am a carrier of hepatitis B. If the person I like does not have antibodies, can I transmit the virus to them? I have had tests done before, and the doctor said there were no issues.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The causes of hepatitis B infection can be divided into vertical and horizontal transmission. The former refers to infants being infected by hepatitis B carrier mothers at birth or during the perinatal period, while the latter includes sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, s...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Do Your Test Results Mean?
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, nine years ago during my high school health check-up, my hepatitis B surface antigen was negative and my hepatitis B surface antibody was positive. However, this year's health check-up report shows that my hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: A positive HBsAg indicates a possible recent infection with hepatitis B or a lifelong carrier of hepatitis B, where the antibodies may also disappear. Transmission routes include: sexual contact; sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or earrings; using non-sterilized need...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Do Your Test Results Mean?
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Causes, Treatment, and Care Options
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I recently had an abdominal ultrasound that showed liver fibrosis. My blood tests did not indicate hepatitis B or C. Is it possible that I had hepatitis B or C in the past and it resolved on its own, leading to the fibrosis? I also do not drink alcohol...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: In addition to hepatitis B and C, there are other causes. It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist specializing in hepatobiliary medicine.[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Causes, Treatment, and Care Options
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
What is the likelihood of developing diabetes? Hello Doctor, Happy New Year! I would like to ask about my fasting blood test results after 12 hours: Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 78.5, Hemoglobin 24.6, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) 10.58, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your fasting blood test report shows an average red blood cell volume of 78.5, hemoglobin of 24.6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein of 10.58, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.7, GOT (AST) of 86, GPT (ALT) of 172, alkaline phosphatase of 110, total iron binding capacity of 5...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Hepatitis B: Vaccine Efficacy and Transmission Risks
Issues related to Hepatitis B? I apologize, but I would like to ask: I received the hepatitis B vaccine two years ago, and at that time, I had no hepatitis B antigens or antibodies. I donated blood two months ago, and the blood donation center did not find any abnormalities. Two ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Individuals who have been vaccinated and have sufficient antibody levels are unlikely to become infected and will not transmit the virus to others. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Vaccine Efficacy and Transmission Risks
Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Blood Transfusion Risks
Hepatitis B vaccine and blood transfusion issues? Having received the hepatitis B vaccine and confirmed the presence of antibodies indicates a strong level of protection against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, while vaccination significantly reduces the risk of contra...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. In our country, if the hepatitis B vaccine is administered according to the schedule, it will produce antibodies against the hepatitis B surface antigen, thus providing protection; you are currently in this situation. 2. On the other hand, blood donation centers conduct screen...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Vaccination and Blood Transfusion Risks