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
Does Methisoprinol Affect the Accuracy of HIV PCR Testing?
Does Methisoprinol affect HIV PCR testing? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse last April. I underwent an HIV antibody rapid test in April, another one in May, and a third one in November after being diagnosed with HPV, all of which were negative. These tests were ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
METHISOPRINOL acts as an immunomodulator and may affect antiviral medications containing zidovudine; however, it is not expected to impact the accuracy of HIV testing.[Read More] Does Methisoprinol Affect the Accuracy of HIV PCR Testing?
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Urinary tract infection (UTI) issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I recently visited the obstetrics and gynecology department, and due to urgency, I went to the restroom first. After urinating, I accidentally dripped some urine on the toilet and the fl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The likelihood of transmission through general contact is low because the environmental differences between a toilet and the human body are significant. In terms of bacteria or viruses, the time required for adaptation greatly reduces their survival rate. 2. However, wounds ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Results Explained
HIV testing issues? If a person has not engaged in any high-risk behaviors for a month, consistently used condoms, and the sexual partner is a girlfriend, and the Multiplex NAT test results from blood donation are negative, can it be confirmed that there is no HIV infection? Addi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is important to determine whether you are an HIV-positive individual. If so, are you adhering to your medication regimen and keeping your viral load at an undetectable level? 2. Next, if you are not infected but have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STI...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Results Explained
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 Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. The first one is that a few days ago, the outer side of my thigh felt itchy and looked like it was bitten by an insect, with a little swelling. I didn't pay much attention to it and didn'...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to determine the exact condition just from the pictures, but insect bites combined with scratching can indeed lead to similar wounds. Lyme disease is almost non-existent in Taiwan, and most cases are contracted while traveling to Europe or America. The ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Can You Contract STDs from Kissing After a Lip Injury?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello Doctor, I recently engaged the services of a foreign sex worker and used a condom throughout the entire process. During the encounter, I was asked for a wet kiss. However, due to a lack of sleep in the past few days, I hav...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly found in the perineal area, with another frequent site being the oral cavity. Engaging in oral sex without proper protection, such as a condom, can certainly increase the risk of acquiring STIs. 2. In addition to commo...[Read More] Can You Contract STDs from Kissing After a Lip Injury?
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?
Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Issues related to bleeding during injections in the hospital? Hello Dr. Liao, today I went to the hospital for an MRI examination. The nurse placed an intravenous catheter in the inner side of my wrist, and halfway through the MRI, she administered a contrast agent. After the MRI...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's take a look at the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchang...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Exposure During Hospital IV Procedures
Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Infection issues Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about an incident that happened while I was at a hotel in Taiwan with my family. I adjusted the showerhead and pressed on the area where the water sprays out. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain, but later I checked my finger an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious bleeding or wound on the finger, there is basically little chance of transmitting any infectious disease. Please don't worry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions related to HIV. If you can help me with my concerns, I would greatly appreciate it. I purchased a depilatory cream online, and when I picked it up and opened it, I didn't pay special attention to whether it ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Hair Removal Cream
Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Cutting hair to the point of bleeding? Hello, on March 24, I got a haircut and accidentally got cut on my neck by the scissors, causing a small piece of skin to come off and some dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the person who used the scissors bef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or e...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Can Urinal Splashing Transmit STDs? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Urinary issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if getting splashed by the water from a urinal on my genital area while using the restroom can transmit sexually transmitted infections or HIV? Additionally, I have been feeling warm at times when lying on the bed, but I don'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the definition of fever is a temperature greater than 37.5°C, and high fever is defined as greater than 38.3°C; however, it often varies from person to person, so comparing to one's own baseline is more accurate. 2. Generally, the water used to flush a urinal is n...[Read More] Can Urinal Splashing Transmit STDs? Understanding Your Health Concerns
Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
The lips came into contact with what appeared to be dried blood or other substances on the glove? During work, if you accidentally touched your lower lip with fingers that had dried red blood or other substances on your gloves, and you immediately wiped it with alcohol upon reali...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, according to the data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses a ri...[Read More] Accidental Contact with Dried Blood: Safety Measures and Concerns
Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Blood-stained toilet paper in public restrooms? Hello doctor, after using the restroom in a public toilet, I noticed that the nearby roll of toilet paper had quite a bit of fresh blood on it, which appeared to be bright red and likely not dried yet. When I removed the toilet pape...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Testing: Reliability of Oral Swab Results After High-Risk Behavior
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I had a high-risk sexual encounter on October 16, and I used the OraQuick saliva rapid test on April 1 of the following year (about five and a half months later), with a negative result. I would like to know if I can trust this result and if I can...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, questions related to HIV/AIDS fall under the specialty of infectious diseases, so please consult an infectious disease physician. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfar...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Reliability of Oral Swab Results After High-Risk Behavior
Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Complement test abnormalities in autoimmune diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms resembling urticaria, and I underwent an examination at the rheumatology and immunology department. The test results showed abnormalities: CH50 Assay: 40.7, C3: 74.3, C...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)? --> Based on the information currently provided, the likelihood remains low. 2. Is there a possibility that the immune system is already compromised? -...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Complement Tests and Their Link to Immune Disorders
Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Infection risk inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask two questions. I came to Shanghai with my family, and today while eating, I accidentally drank from a cup that seemed to have some mucus or phlegm in it. I didn't swallow it, but it felt very unpleasant. I would like ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Drinking mucus or saliva is generally destroyed by stomach acid, so it does not pose a significant risk of contracting any specific infectious disease. Of course, some viruses can be transmitted through saliva, so there is still a certain risk of infection. However, most virus...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns
HIV infection HPV infection Hello, Doctor. I have a question. After performing oral sex on a woman, I noticed small red spots on my abdomen two days later, which made me very anxious. I quickly went to a clinic and had a blood test for HIV, which came back negative. I started tak...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's look at the information about HIV: The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Understanding HIV and HPV Risks: PEP Efficacy and Autoimmune Concerns