Understanding HIV Testing: Can Multiple Infections Affect Results?
HIV screening issues Hello Dr. Hong: I have a question to ask. I recently took the Abbott fourth-generation rapid test, and the window period was one month. I would like to know if multiple reinfections during or before the window period could lead to inaccurate test results, pot...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, repeated infections do not affect test results. Even with multiple reinfections, a positive result can still be detected. Therefore, theoretically, if a test is conducted one month after the last unsafe sexual encounter and the result is negative, the chance of infection i...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can Multiple Infections Affect Results?
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 Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Three high issues (referring to high blood pressure, high Hello Doctor: I recently had a basic blood test, and here are the results: eGFR: 80 (Is this low?), ALT: 12 (Does this indicate that my liver is healthy?), Uric Acid: 5.1 (Is this high?), TG (Triglycerides): 63 (I previous...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
A hemoglobin A1c level of 6 indicates prediabetes, and regular monitoring is necessary. Currently, dietary control is recommended. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Are You at Risk for Diabetes?
Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
What are the more accurate methods for measuring blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor. I recently received my health check report, and the results showed that my fasting blood sugar appears normal, but my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is at 6.0. In the past, my HbA1c levels were bet...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are concerned that anemia may affect the accuracy of hemoglobin A1c, you can test for glycated albumin.[Read More] Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels
Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?
Thyroid diseases are typically managed by an endocrinologist? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited the rheumatology department, and the blood test results showed abnormalities in thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) immunoassay,...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Thyroid issues can be addressed by an endocrinologist. However, from your message, it is unclear what the underlying cause is. You mentioned seeing an immunologist, but it is also unclear why thyroid function tests were performed. Therefore, it may be difficult to determin...[Read More] Which Specialist to See for Thyroid Disease: Rheumatology or Metabolism?
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
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 Your Urine Test Results: Key Insights for Diabetics
Examination Report Doctor, my urine screening report shows a microalbumin level of 30.4 and a urine creatinine level of 270.8. I have diabetes with a hemoglobin A1c of 10.1. Should I be concerned about this? Should I exercise more and control my diet? Thank you.
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, there is no microalbuminuria; however, it is still important to manage blood sugar levels effectively, aiming to keep the hemoglobin A1c below seven to reduce the risk of complications in the future.[Read More] Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Key Insights for Diabetics
Understanding Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies: Implications and Insights
Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB 1. The incidental finding of abnormal levels of these two antibodies during a blood test, without any signs of Sjögren's syndrome or physical discomfort, does not necessarily confirm a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. It may indicate a potential ri...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The abnormal levels of these two antibodies were discovered incidentally during a blood test, but there are no signs of Sjögren's syndrome and no physical discomfort. Does this indicate a diagnosis or a possibili...[Read More] Understanding Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies: Implications and Insights
Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Thyroid blood test value consultation? In recent years, I have been troubled by hair loss and have noticed that the new hair growth is finer and not as strong as my original hair. Despite visiting several dermatologists, I have not been able to find the cause of my hair loss (all...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Short-term use of high doses of steroids may affect thyroid function. Currently, your blood test results do not indicate any significant thyroid dysfunction. If you believe that steroids are contributing to hair loss, it is advisable to discuss this with your rheumatologist.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function and Hair Loss: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding Elevated Blood Test Results During Oocyte Freezing Process
Blood test values Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my blood test results on the second day of my menstrual period due to my egg freezing treatment. My hemoglobin (HB) is 13.5, with a reference range of [10.1][12.7]. My mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is 31, with a refere...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, usually a decrease in these values can be concerning. For example, an increase in anemia is often due to blood becoming too concentrated, which can happen if you have been drinking very little water or losing too much water through sweating, among other rare conditions. Ce...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Blood Test Results During Oocyte Freezing Process
Understanding Your Phadiatop Result: Is 0.35 Positive or Negative?
A Phadiatop value of 0.35 (0) indicates a negative result for specific IgE antibodies related to common inhalant allergens. This suggests that there is no significant sensitization to the allergens tested in the Phadiatop panel? Hello doctor, in my blood test results, there is an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Phadiatop is a "qualitative" test for allergic reactions. Unlike "quantitative" tests, which measure the levels of IgE and specific allergens to calculate the intensity of the allergy, qualitative tests only detect the presen...[Read More] Understanding Your Phadiatop Result: Is 0.35 Positive or Negative?
Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression and Its Complications After Azathioprine
Subsequent Issues Following Bone Marrow Suppression Induced by Azacitidine Hello, Doctor Gao. In February of this year, I visited the rheumatology and immunology department due to mild vitiligo and alopecia areata. I was prescribed Yasmin for a month, which resulted in significan...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I don't believe it's purpura. The likelihood of lymphoma is very low because your lymph nodes are small. It may be more likely that the side effects of the medication have not completely resolved. Although your platelet count is somew...[Read More] Understanding Bone Marrow Suppression and Its Complications After Azathioprine
Does a Temperature of 37.4 Affect Blood Test Results?
Is a body temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius acceptable for a medical examination? Recently, antibodies for the Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) were detected during blood donation. Yesterday, my body temperature was 37.4°C. I would like to know if this will affect my white blo...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
According to the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation data (https://www.blood.org.tw/Internet/main/docDetail.aspx?uid=7396&pid=6381&docid=29179), the following is an excerpt: 1. Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is primarily divided into two types: HTLV-I and HTLV-II. 2. HTLV...[Read More] Does a Temperature of 37.4 Affect Blood Test Results?
Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
The relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and vaccines? Hello Doctor, I am a 51-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine in October last year and the second dose in January this year. I would like to ask if the symptoms ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Is my chest pain more likely caused by the vaccine or by smoking? --> Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause chest pain, and the likelihood may be higher than the side effects from the vaccine, so it is unlikely to...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
Understanding Thyroid Function: TSH Levels and Health Concerns
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Hello Doctor, my recent thyroid blood test results are as follows: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): (Reference range: 0.35-4.94) - 111/3/15: 1.193 IU/ml - 111/4/7: 1.121 IU/ml - 111/5/18: 0.818 IU/ml Free Thyroxine (FT4): (Reference range: 0....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. Currently, it seems unlikely to flare up. 2. There shouldn't be any cause for concern. 3. It's not considered low. 4. This value appears to be normal. 5. They usually occur simultaneously. 6. There won't be any changes in the short term; follow-up is n...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function: TSH Levels and Health Concerns
Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, I experienced joint stiffness and pain? Doctor: Hello, I received my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on July 30, 2021; the second and third doses of Moderna on October 3, 2021, and March 14, 2022. I am approximately 50 years old. About 1 to 2...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Currently, among your series of rheumatic disease test results, only the ESR is slightly elevated, and I recommend continuing to monitor it. After receiving this type of new vaccine, there is indeed a higher chance of...[Read More] Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Insights for Your Health
Blood disorders In March, I experienced recurrent episodes of urticaria every 2 to 3 days. On April 2, I visited the rheumatology and immunology department for an examination. The doctor ordered blood tests to check liver and kidney function. Upon reviewing the report, I noticed ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. Serum creatinine (CRE) is 0.48, white blood cell count shows NEUT 6220, N.seg 77.8, Lym 17.6. The CRE indicates kidney function, while the other values reflect white blood cell counts. Although the...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Insights for Your Health
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does 1:80 (+) DFS Mean?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about the ANA test result of 1:80 (+) DFS. What does this indicate? Is further testing necessary? Additionally, I previously had tests for Anti-ENA (La-Ab) with a value of 0.1 U/ml and Anti-ENA (Ro)-Ab with a value of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. These test results are normal. The ANA may be slightly elevated, but from a rheumatologist's perspective, an ANA titer of 1:160 or higher would warrant further investigation. Therefore, I believe this is acceptable, and there is no need for...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Does 1:80 (+) DFS Mean?