Pre-Marital Health Checks: Can You Trust Three Years of Normal Results?
Premarital examination issues? Hello, I would like to ask about a situation where a male and female colleague had a one-time sexual encounter before marriage, and the condom accidentally broke. They later underwent testing at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, all of which were n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Yes, in principle, the window period for HIV is three to six months; if there are no unsafe behaviors during this time, such as sharing needles or unprotected sex, there should be no issues.[Read More] Pre-Marital Health Checks: Can You Trust Three Years of Normal Results?
Is Blood Leakage After Blood Draw Normal? Concerns About Infection
Blood draw issues? It is normal to see some blood on the needle after a blood draw, as there may be a small amount of blood that seeps out when the needle is removed. The nurse typically places the needle in a biohazard bag for safety, and any blood present is usually contained w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the phenomenon of overflow bleeding you mentioned is normal. It will not affect your test results and will not cause any infection, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is Blood Leakage After Blood Draw Normal? Concerns About Infection
Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Inquire about blood lipid and blood glucose issues? Hello: I have a lipid issue and have been taking traditional Chinese medicine and Lipitor for about six months. My last blood test results on February 21 showed: LDL: 185, HDL: 60, total cholesterol: 249, triglycerides: 67, bloo...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Your blood glucose is currently within the fasting range of 70-100 mg/dL, and your hemoglobin A1c is between 4-6%. Whether there are issues with your blood vessels can be determined based on your symptoms or through examinations. Generally, these conditions require long-te...[Read More] Understanding Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Your Health Questions Answered
Do You Need to Retest for HIV After a Negative Result?
HIV testing issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if I broke up before June 2019 and tested negative for HIV around November 2020 with a result of 0.10. Do I need to get tested again? Thank you. Could you please explain why the result was 0.10?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the HIV test results may not be "0" due to impurities in the blood, but as long as they are within the normal range, they can be considered negative, indicating no infection. Regarding your situation, if you have not engaged in sexual activity from June 2019 to N...[Read More] Do You Need to Retest for HIV After a Negative Result?
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Glucose tolerance test Dear Doctor, I recently underwent a glucose tolerance test at the hospital, and the results are as follows: Hemoglobin A1c 5.5%, OGTT: Fasting—96 mg/dL; 30 minutes—167 mg/dL; 60 minutes—212 mg/dL; 90 minutes—174 mg/dL; 120 minutes—132 mg/dL. The outpatient...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is more closely associated with early and late insulin secretion deficiencies. If there are abnormalities in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it can be confirmed again the next day. The diagnostic criteria for diabetes are: (1) sympt...[Read More] Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test Results and Diabetes Risk
Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I had a company health check before the New Year, and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6 and my blood glucose was 86. At the end of March, due to feeling unwell, I tested my postprandial blood glucose and it was 155. The...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there are concerns that hemoglobin A1c levels may be affected by anemia, glycated albumin can be tested; the impact of anemia on hemoglobin A1c levels is difficult to estimate.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Liver enzyme levels are normal but higher than the values from three years ago? Hello, doctor: I am 40 years old and a carrier of hepatitis B. I have been undergoing regular abdominal ultrasounds and blood tests every six months at Renai Hospital in Taipei. Each time, the results...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the AFP level is 2.42, ALT is 35, and AST is 27, all of which are within the normal range, indicating no inflammation. You may consider testing for hepatitis B viral load for a comprehensive assessment. You can compare all the series of follow-up data; they should remain w...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
The urinary protein index has surged? Hello, Doctor. Below are the results from my visit to Hospital B on the evening of March 14 this year. The random urine test results were as follows: Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL; Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL); Uri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria; factors such as fever, excessive exercise, consumption of high animal protein, hormonal influences, or other diseases causing abnormal protein production can also be responsible. Even if tests do not show...[Read More] Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Weakness in the feet accompanied by unexplained blisters? Dear Dr. Lin, My mother is 58 years old. Over the past six months, she has experienced weakness in her legs (mainly feeling unsteady while walking, as if she is walking on cotton). In the last three months, she has develo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine the issue based solely on this information. I recommend separating the concerns of foot weakness and blisters. For foot weakness, it is indeed advisable to consult a neurologist, preferably at a regional hospital or higher, as they can arrange ...[Read More] Unexplained Blisters and Weakness in Legs: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Inquiry about blood test results? Dear Doctor, I currently have no immune-related symptoms, but I am concerned about the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in my blood test results. I would like to ask you some related questions. Recently, my blood test report showed an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the future? --> Currently, it seems unlikely. 2. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:80 was detected, but all specific antibodies rel...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Thyroid issues Hello, doctor. I am 20 years old, with a height of 160 cm and a weight of about 48 kg. I have lost 10 kg in just one year. Recently, I had a blood test for my thyroid, and my Free T4 level was 0.76 and my TSH level was 0.695, both of which appear to be low. I did s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have hyperthyroidism, free T4 levels would be elevated and TSH levels would be decreased. Conversely, if you have hypothyroidism, the opposite would be true. Your blood test results suggest that your significant weight loss may not be due to a thyroid issue. I would...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: Low Free T4 and TSH Levels Explained
Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Test Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal urine protein test? Hello doctor, I previously had a urine test at a clinic that showed a positive result for protein (+). Therefore, I went to the nephrology department at the hospital for a follow-up examination, and the report is as follows: Urine Creatinine 127.87, P...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, a Protein/Creatinine Ratio of 0.086 corresponds to 86 mg/g, which is less than 150 mg/g and falls within the normal range. Thank you for your question. The Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital cares about your health.[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I have had an allergic constitution since childhood and have been receiving treatment in the rheumatology and immunology department for long-term issues related to my nose and urticaria. During my last visi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the test results mentioned above are all the examinations you have undergone, I believe there are additional tests that can be arranged. If you are very concerned and unsure about whether to take quinine, I suggest you consult another rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Elevated RF Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Disorders
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?
Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Treatment
Low levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and the report showed the following blood results: W.B.C: 7.13, R.B.C: 4 (below normal), Hemoglobin: 12, Hematocrit: 36.6 (both below normal), MCV, MCH, MCHC, and platelets ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The above blood routine test results are generally within the normal range, and treatment is not necessary. As for the TG36 being slightly low, it may be due to insufficient nutrition, so follow-up testing is recommended. It could also be due to a congenital deficiency of ...[Read More] Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Hemoglobin Levels: Causes and Treatment
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
Understanding ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) issues? Hello Doctor, my blood test report shows an ANA antibody titer of 1:80 with Pattern 1: homogeneous and Pattern 2: fine speckled. In a second test at a different hospital, the ANA was 40 (-). The doctor said there are no antibodies, and the anti-...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. The first test showed an ANA titer of 1:80, but the second test showed none at all. Does this mean there is a higher chance of being negative and healthy? --> I believe the antibody levels may be low, which can le...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?
Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Should I go to a rehabilitation department for stiffness? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celebrex, the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celecoxib, the pain subsided. However, after stopping the medication for 1.5 months, I began to experience pain only in my ri...[Read More] Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Understanding eGFR and Creatinine Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
eGFR, creatinine Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. In September 2021, my blood test showed an eGFR of 67.06 and a creatinine level of 1. After seeing these values outside the normal range, I consulted my doctor, who suggested that if I was concerned, I could h...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello Ms. Chi, you mentioned that you have had two blood creatinine tests in the past six months, with results of 1 and 1.1, and eGFR values of 67.06 and 60.08, respectively. The urine test report indicated no issues. Here is some information for your reference: 1. eGFR stands f...[Read More] Understanding eGFR and Creatinine Levels: Should You Be Concerned?
Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint
The possible causes of swelling and pain in the first joint of the right hand's ring finger may include: 1. **Osteoarthritis**: Degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and swelling in the joints. 2. **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: An autoimmune condition that leads to infl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I suspect you may have trigger finger, and I recommend having another physician take a look. The occurrence of trigger finger is related to overuse of the fingers, but in some cases, the cause remains unclear. Additionall...[Read More] Possible Causes of Swelling and Pain in the Right Ring Finger Joint