Understanding HIV Variants: Can Rapid Tests Detect All Types?
HIV-1, HIV-2, latest mutation VB Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the recent HIV variant VB. Is it classified as a mutation of HIV-1? Can our current blood and oral rapid tests detect all types of HIV variants (including HIV-1, HIV-2, and VB)? The rapid tests indicate...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, it belongs to the HIV-1, subtype B variant (which is prevalent in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, with at least 109 cases reported). 2. The currently used testing tools can still detect the VB mutant. 3. The VB mutant is characterized by causing infected indivi...[Read More] Understanding HIV Variants: Can Rapid Tests Detect All Types?
Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What Does a 0.184 Value Mean?
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I went to the hospital for a blood test to check for HIV using the ELISA method due to some issues (definitely not related to casual encounters or needle exposure). My test result was 0.184. I would like to know if this indicates a possible infect...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The methods for HIV testing are as follows: (I) Preliminary Screening Tests 1. Prior to screening, health education should be provided, including: reasons for screening, assessment of infection risk, explanation of transmission routes, clarification of confidentiality regarding ...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What Does a 0.184 Value Mean?
Concerns About Blood in Urine and HIV Infection Risk
Questions about blood infections? Hello, today after using the restroom, I noticed something red at the bottom of the urinal that looked like blood. Doctor, if there are viruses like HIV on it and urine splashes onto my genitals, is there a risk of infection? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described does not pose a risk for HIV infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Blood in Urine and HIV Infection Risk
Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
I have a question? Hello, doctor. I previously interned at a hospital and accidentally cut my finger while puncturing a rubber cap with scissors used for medical waste (like IV bottles). Although I squeezed out some blood at the time, I am still worried about the possibility of c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if this occurs in a hospital, it should theoretically be reported as a sharp object injury, and the injury protocol should be followed. During this process, tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and HIV will be conducted for both you and the patient, and follow-up ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a few questions. Recently, I underwent testing for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV, and all results were negative. However, I have some concerns re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main concern is the potential for a window period and sensitivity issues with the tests. The HIV Ag/Ab Combo has a higher sensitivity, but the HIV I/II O/p24Ag test is also quite reliable. Overall, your chances of being negative are very high. However, if you truly bel...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Can You Contract HIV or Other Infections from Haircut Tools?
Regarding the risk of contracting HIV and other various infectious diseases? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if the hair clippers or trimmers used for cutting hair, which may have come into contact with blood from someone with HIV or other infectious diseases, could pose a ris...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sharing needles, blood transfusions, or sexual intercourse. The hair-cutting activities you mentioned do not transmit HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV or Other Infections from Haircut Tools?
Understanding HIV and Infectious Disease Transmission Risks
Regarding issues related to HIV/AIDS and various other infectious diseases? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask two questions. First, if a person with HIV or other infectious diseases uses a toilet and leaves potentially infectious materials on the flush handle, and I later use it...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through blood transfusions, sharing needles, or sexual intercourse. There are no reports of infection related to the three scenarios you described. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV and Infectious Disease Transmission Risks
Understanding Why Muscle Injections Do Not Transmit HIV
Infection issues? 1. Why muscle injections are not a route for HIV infection. Thank you for your response.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, intramuscular injections are typically performed by healthcare professionals who follow a thorough cleaning procedure. Additionally, the characteristics of the virus make it difficult to infect muscle tissue, so intramuscular injections are not a route for HIV transmission...[Read More] Understanding Why Muscle Injections Do Not Transmit HIV
Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Infection issues? When receiving an injection, if I did not pay attention to whether the needle was new, and considering that I am not in Taiwan where the equipment is reusable, the injection was administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. 1. What is the risk of infection for...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. 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. B. B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Muscle Injection
Infection issues Follow-up question: I saw in previous posts that intramuscular injections are not a route for HIV infection. Now it is mentioned that there is a 0.3-0.5% risk. What exactly is the situation?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, muscle injection is indeed not a route of infection. This data refers to the risk of infection caused by being punctured with a needle contaminated with the HIV virus; the two meanings are different. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Muscle Injection
Understanding Injection Risks: HIV and Hepatitis Concerns Explained
Injection issues? Hello, I have a follow-up question for the doctor. Previously, I mentioned that I was unsure whether the injection equipment was new, as I am not getting vaccinated in Taiwan. The injection equipment should be reusable. If the injection is administered subcutane...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in most advanced countries, needles are typically disposable, so such situations are rare. In the unfortunate event of being pricked by a contaminated needle, if there is no protection, previous large-scale studies indicate that the risk of Hepatitis B is approximately 3-5...[Read More] Understanding Injection Risks: HIV and Hepatitis Concerns Explained
Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Half-service establishments, French kissing, and wet kissing? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a massage parlor where I engaged in several minutes of French kissing, wet kissing, mutual nipple licking, fondling, finger stimulation, and manual stimulation with massage oil, but I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infectio...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Concerns About Injection Safety: Risks of HIV Transmission Explained
Injection issues Hello, doctor. If I didn't pay attention to whether the syringe was new during the injection, and if the last person was injected before me, with the injection method being in the arm, but I'm not sure if it was a subcutaneous or intramuscular injection...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently all syringes in Taiwan are single-use safety devices, and there is no situation of reusing needles. Please do not worry about the risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Injection Safety: Risks of HIV Transmission Explained
Understanding PCR Testing for HIV: Insights and PEP Effectiveness in Taiwan
HIV Infection PCR I am the person who left the message 178563 regarding PCR testing. 1. If the first PCR test for HIV is negative, has there been any cases of a positive result in a second PCR test? 2. Has there been any reported failures of PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) afte...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Yes, due to the window period of the disease, it is indeed possible for the second test to be positive. 2. Any treatment may have cases of failure, including PEP; however, the chances of failure are not high. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding PCR Testing for HIV: Insights and PEP Effectiveness in Taiwan
Concerns About Needle Infections: Risks of Accidental Punctures
Needle infection issues? Recently, I bought glue for repairing my phone, and it came with a needle that looks like a medical one. I'm a bit worried about accidentally pricking myself. Since it was purchased online, it took about two days to arrive. If I accidentally prick my...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described does not pose a risk for hepatitis B or HIV infection, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Needle Infections: Risks of Accidental Punctures
Understanding PCR Testing for HIV: Key Insights and Concerns
PCR testing issues Hello, I was pricked by a needle and took PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) 38 hours later. After 16 days, I tested negative for both PCR HIV and HIV Ag/Ab Combo. Now, after completing the PEP course, I am preparing to undergo the same tests again in about 49 day...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, due to the issue of the incubation period, it is indeed possible for someone to test positive on the second examination. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding PCR Testing for HIV: Key Insights and Concerns
Understanding HIV Testing Methods: Which Is Most Accurate?
HIV Testing Doctor, I am person number 178531. I would like to know which testing methods are more accurate in order: 1. PCR 2. ELISA 3. Combo 4. NET. I had a PCR test on day 15 which was negative, but I have taken PEP and the doctor said it might have a slight impact. Which test...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently the most accurate test is PCR, so if you are very concerned, it is still recommended to undergo PCR testing. As for screening, most tests currently use a Combo method, which also has very high sensitivity. However, it is still advisable to discuss with your atten...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Methods: Which Is Most Accurate?
How Long Does HIV Survive in Semen Outside the Body?
HIV infection 1. How long can the HIV virus survive in semen outside the body? 2. Is there a risk of HIV transmission from semen in a restroom if someone masturbates? It is known that the HIV virus in blood dies in about a few minutes; what about in semen?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The survival time of the virus in semen depends on the viral load and the specific location, so it cannot be generalized. 2. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and needle sharing, and it is not spread through environmental exposure. Thank you for your q...[Read More] How Long Does HIV Survive in Semen Outside the Body?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Blood Glucose Devices
HIV infection 1. If a family member with HIV used a blood glucose meter with a lancet that was left in for about 12 hours, and you accidentally pricked yourself with the same lancet, the risk of HIV transmission is considered very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if your question is hypothetical. The transmissibility of HIV primarily depends on whether the patient is receiving antiretroviral therapy. I assume your family member has been on long-term antiretroviral medication. If the viral load has been suppressed ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Blood Glucose Devices
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
HIV infection 1. If your hands touched someone else's blood and you didn't wash them before touching your mucous membranes, there is a potential risk of infection. However, the risk is generally lower compared to direct blood-to-blood contact. 2. If both wounds are fre...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There have been no reported cases of HIV infection due to the situation you described. 2. As long as there is no direct exposure to HIV-infected needles, the risk of infection is very low. 3. The survival time of the virus outside the body depends on the viral load ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered