Understanding HIV Testing: Window Period and Risk Factors Explained
HIV Rapid Testing Issues Hello Dr. Hong, I had a risky sexual encounter 50 days ago and another one 10 days ago. I went for an ELISA 4th generation test yesterday, and the result was negative. I would like to ask you, Dr. Hong, if I was infected from the encounter 50 days ago or ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the ELISA test can detect positive results from 50 days ago and will not be affected by sexual activity that occurred 10 days prior. The two events are independent and do not influence each other, so it is only necessary to confirm whether there was an infection from the s...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Window Period and Risk Factors Explained
Understanding HIV Testing: Can PCR and ELISA Detect All Subtypes?
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I found that HIV-1 can be divided into groups M, O, and N, with group M further divided into many subtypes. I have currently performed RT-PCR and an ELISA combo test. I would like to ask if both PCR and ELISA can accurately screen for groups M,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most major hospitals currently use PCR or Combo tests that can detect the subtypes you mentioned. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can PCR and ELISA Detect All Subtypes?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Shared Medical Settings
HIV infection Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about my uncle who has HIV. We work in the same restaurant, and he often gets cuts and uses the first aid kit at work. I just cut myself and used the same medication as him. Am I at risk of contracting HIV from him? I am not sur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids wi...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Shared Medical Settings
Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
In the areas where hands that have previously touched syringes and needles come into contact, a needle is used to draw blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago I had a health check-up that required a blood draw. The phlebotomist first cleaned my skin with alcohol, then took the syringe ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although the phlebotomist touched other areas before returning to palpate the vein, the residual alcohol applied earlier still has antimicrobial effects. Therefore, it should still provide some level of disinfection, and it is unlikely to cause a...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Infection Hello doctor, a few nights ago I stepped on something prickly at the beach. If it was a needle, is there a risk of HIV infection? The wound is very small, and I didn't notice if there was any bleeding. Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchang...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis C/B Infection from Beach Injuries
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B/C Infection Hello Doctor, a few nights ago I stepped on something sharp at the beach. If it was a needle, is there a risk of HIV or hepatitis B/C infection? Do I need to get any tests done? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have been pricked by a needle, it is indeed necessary to get tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. If you are unsure about the source of the needle but suspect it might be contaminated, it is also advisable to test for the aforementioned four disea...[Read More] Risk of HIV and Hepatitis C/B Infection from Beach Injuries
Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Inquiry about blood test report values? Hello, Doctor. I had blood tests done on January 8 and July 4 of this year, and overall the values were normal. The only concerning changes were in the white blood cell differential: neutrophils decreased from 52.5% to 37.3%, and lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively new, which may lead to a higher chance of side effects, and there are various symptoms that can occur after vaccination. However, most of these are temporary, so there is no need to worry too much. The ch...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Is Sharing a Blood Glucose Lancing Device Safe? Risks and Precautions
Shared blood glucose lancet Hello, I lost my blood glucose lancing device, and the pharmacy ordered a new one for me. They also provided me with a demo lancing device for temporary use. I would like to ask if sharing a blood glucose lancing device (not the needle) can transmit bl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily flui...[Read More] Is Sharing a Blood Glucose Lancing Device Safe? Risks and Precautions
Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
I would like to ask the doctor if this could lead to an HIV infection? A few days ago, I underwent anonymous HIV testing, and the result was negative. However, I was very nervous during the test and did not pay attention to whether the blood draw needle was new. I would like to a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. First, refer to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. For example, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): * Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexu...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
Should I Get Tested for HIV Again After 8 Months of Low-Risk Contact?
I am struggling with whether or not to get tested for HIV again after six months? Dr. Liao, the incident occurred about 8 months ago when I met a female online friend. Before we met, I brushed my teeth. During our meeting, I licked her nipple and touched her genital area over her...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): HIV has three main modes of 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...[Read More] Should I Get Tested for HIV Again After 8 Months of Low-Risk Contact?
Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Various Blood/Body Fluid Infectious Diseases Hello, doctor. If there are sores in or outside the mouth and I accidentally consume food contaminated with various bloodborne or fluidborne pathogens, is it possible to contract different bloodborne or fluidborne infections? Thank you...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. The term "food contaminated with various blood or body fluid infectious diseases' viruses/pathogens" refers to consuming items that may be tainted with infectious agents, such as undercooked meat from infected animals or food that has been handled by an infected...[Read More] Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Contact in Public Spaces
Possibility of transmission Hello Doctor, I went to a convenience store around noon to buy something. While I was in line to check out, a stranger suddenly pushed past me. I tried to dodge him, but he still brushed against me with the straw from his drink bottle (it seemed like h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images provided, there are no obvious wounds, so there is essentially no risk of infection. Please don't worry, and thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Contact in Public Spaces
Understanding HIV Testing After PEP: Key Insights for Safe Practices
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. If I had sexual intercourse in March with a condom that did not break, but on July 9, I had another sexual encounter where the condom broke, and I immediately stopped. The next morning, I went to the hospital for PEP treatment. I would like to a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, PEP will not affect the test results. A negative result from the rapid test on July 11 can indeed indicate that there was no infection from sexual activity prior to March. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing After PEP: Key Insights for Safe Practices
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: What a Faint Line Means
HIV rapid test Hello Dr. Hong, I purchased the Milan HIV rapid blood test and after waiting 15 minutes, the result was negative (the instructions state to read the result after 15 minutes). However, after waiting more than 20 minutes, I noticed a faint second line appeared after ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, almost all rapid test kits will show two lines even for individuals who do not have HIV if they are left for too long. This is the most common reason for false positives. Therefore, the test kits recommend using the time specified in the instructions as the standard for in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: What a Faint Line Means
Understanding HIV Testing: Choosing Between RTPCR and Ag/Ab Combo Tests
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. I used an HIV self-test on June 15 (I was worried, so I used two different brands purchased from the Ministry of Health and Welfare: Kenbair and Milan), and both results were negative. My last sexual encounter was in February of last year, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your current condition, it is recommended to first undergo an HIV Ag/Ab Combo Test for screening. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Choosing Between RTPCR and Ag/Ab Combo Tests
Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Haircutting Tools: What You Need to Know
Blood and Body Fluid Transmissible Infections Hello, doctor. I have a question. If I go to get a haircut and the trimmer used for my sideburns has been contaminated with any bodily fluids from a previous person who has a bloodborne or fluid-borne infectious disease, and it then c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you should be concerned about are bloodborne infectious diseases or sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. These diseases cannot be transmitted through the situation you described, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Haircutting Tools: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Exposure to Unknown Liquid: Health Risks for Children
Contact with unknown liquid? Today, I took my son to the hospital. On our way there, we passed by a flower bed and sidewalk where there was a large puddle of some unknown thick liquid, which could have been vomit or feces. At that moment, we were in a hurry and didn't examin...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in an outdoor environment with relatively good ventilation, the diseases you are concerned about, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, and influenza, are less likely to be contracted through contamination. These diseases primarily spread through inhalation of respiratory droplets ...[Read More] Concerns About Exposure to Unknown Liquid: Health Risks for Children
Can Chronic Urticaria Cause Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution?
Does chronic urticaria cause abnormal distribution of white blood cells? I recently started experiencing urticaria, usually with two lesions around the eyes (accompanied by itching), four to six on the face, five to eight on the body, and occasional itching on the palms. This has...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can chronic urticaria cause abnormal distribution of white blood cells? Should I be concerned? WBC: 6640, Neutrophils: 32.8% (normal: 40%-70%), Lymphocytes: 59.5% (normal: 18%-45%) --> This kind of presentation can...[Read More] Can Chronic Urticaria Cause Abnormal White Blood Cell Distribution?
Understanding HIV Testing and Gonorrhea Follow-Up Care
HIV Testing Issues & Gonorrhea Hello Dr. Hong, I had unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse with an online acquaintance in April. I experienced symptoms in late April and was diagnosed with gonorrhea. After taking medication, I recovered by the end of April, a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is mainly to test for HIV, and the gonorrhea test is just to confirm if it has been completely treated. 2. Due to the window period associated with HIV, it is recommended to re-test after the third month. If the result is negative, it will provide more peace of mind....[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Gonorrhea Follow-Up Care
Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Semen Contact with Eyes?
HIV infection If semen from a sexual partner gets into the eyes, is there a possibility of HIV infection? What is the approximate clinical or recorded risk of infection? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the chance of infection through eye contact is very low, less than 1%. It is recommended to continue monitoring the situation. If you are concerned about the possibility of infection, you may consider getting tested for HIV. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Semen Contact with Eyes?