Test results, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding Hypothyroidism: Key Questions and Management Strategies

Hypothyroidism Hello, here are some test results: Anti-TPO Ab: 428 (8/26), 242.7 (9/17); TSH: 0.01, Free T4: 0.63, Free T3: 1.6 (9/16); TSH: 8.611, Free T4: 0.67, T3: 0.51 (10/7); TSH: 4.881, Free T4: 0.75 (11/4); TSH: 1.317, Free T4: 1.12 (12/2); TSH: 0.791, Free T4: 1.05 (2/12)...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Thyroid function should be maintained within the normal range, which may vary slightly among different medical institutions. A positive TPO antibody indicates the possibility of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Currently, cholesterol levels are slightly elevated and dietary control ...

Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care

Observation period for acute kidney injury? Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has been hospitalized for two months due to a bacterial infection. Initially, her kidney function was not very good, but prior to this hospitalization, her kidney function was normal. After more than a month, h...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, you only mentioned a bacterial infection that required hospitalization for two months, without mentioning whether you have any underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. If you do have these conditions, they should be managed fir...

Should You Worry About Your Blood Sugar Levels? A Guide for Young Adults

Excessive worrying? Hello Doctor, my fasting blood glucose this year was 97 mg/dL (measured in the morning, last year it was 93 mg/dL). I usually control my intake of sugary drinks, having a hand-shaken beverage at most once a week. My BMI is 18. I went to the lab for an HbA1c te...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Current test results are all within normal ranges, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not warrant excessive concern.

Understanding Kidney Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results

Kidney problems? Hello Doctor, I recently had a blood test and my kidney function indicators were slightly elevated: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) was 17 (normal range is within 20), Creatinine was 1.16 (normal range is within 1.20), and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was 83 (norma...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the slight changes in your blood test results, particularly in creatinine levels, it is suggested that this may be due to mild dehydration. It is recommended to maintain a regular habit of drinking water, engage in consistent exercise, and follow a regular daily r...

Understanding HIV Testing and PEP: Key Questions Answered

HIV testing Hello, I am spokesperson number 178234. Thank you, doctor. I have a few more questions. In the previous message, it was stated that 1 copy equals 1.67 IU, so 33 IU equals approximately 19.76 copies. Question 1: I took PEP within 72 hours of exposure. The test is sch...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. PEP can reduce the rate of infection, but it is unlikely to affect the accuracy of testing, so the results should still be reliable. 2. PEP should not significantly impact the interpretation of test results. 3. After PEP, dietary habits can return to normal. Thank...

Understanding HIV Testing: Detection Limits and Measurement Units Explained

HIV Testing Hello, I would like to ask about my HIV PCT blood test results, which show no infection. However, the report states "HIV detection limit: 33 IU/mL, Roche Cobas 6800 System. (1 copy = 1.67 IU)." I want to know that the current medical detection limit is 20 co...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, "copy" and "copies" have the same meaning and refer to the PCR test index. The equivalence of one copy to IU can vary depending on the instruments or reagents used, so it is necessary to consult the physician at the hospital to understand that the minim...

Understanding HIV Ag/Ab Combo Test Results: What Does a 0.33 Mean?

HIV testing issues Hello, the result of the HIV Ag/Ab Combo screening test shows Negative. Interpretation criteria: Negative: S/CO < 1.00; Positive: S/CO ≥ 1.00. The value of 0.33 indicates that it is below the threshold for a positive result, suggesting no signs of infection.

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, all reagents, including the HIV Ag/Ab Combo, can be influenced by various impurities or bodily fluids, which may result in baseline values, such as your 0.33. Therefore, all reagents will indicate that a value must exceed a certain threshold to be considered positive rathe...

Thyroid Medication for Pregnant Women: Concerns and Considerations

Pregnant women with thyroid conditions taking Antithyroid medication? Hello Doctor, I would like to briefly summarize my medical history. During middle school, I developed benign thyroid nodules and underwent a partial thyroidectomy, removing three-quarters of my thyroid. My th...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The nutritional benefits of seafood can be obtained from other food sources, so it is advisable to temporarily avoid seafood. This should not significantly impact fetal development. 2. All seafood contains different components, so it is quite common to suddenly disc...

Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders

Health Examination Report Hello doctor, last month I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist due to an unexplained rash on my skin (similar to petechiae). Initially, the doctor suspected it might be an allergy, but they still conducted blood tests. The results showed abn...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Among the antibodies you tested, some are related to Sjögren's syndrome (Ro/La, C3/C4), some are associated with myositis (Jo-1, Ku), and others are more related to lupus erythematosus (ANA, C3/C4). However, we will consider clinical sympto...

Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained

Issues with test results three months after syphilis treatment? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in mid-October last year. After a month of treatment with Doxycycline, I had a follow-up blood test three months later, and the result was RPR Negative...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the treatment guidelines, after 3-6 months, if the RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test can drop to 1/4, it indicates a good treatment response. Of course, the lower the value, the better. Therefore, your negative result is possible and suggests that the treatm...

Does Exercise Affect Fasting Blood Sugar Levels? Understanding Your Test Results

Health check-up blood sugar issues? Hello, during this health check-up, a fasting blood glucose level of 112 was found. I became very anxious upon seeing this result and would like to inquire if exercising the day before (using a stair stepper at the gym for 1 hour, then having d...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the pre-meal blood sugar level of 112 is only slightly elevated and may not necessarily indicate diabetes. Factors such as exercise or eating late the previous day can also cause an increase. The likelihood of diabetes is low, and we can wait for the test results. Thank yo...

Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine, BUN, and GFR Explained

Renal function tests: creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? I have chronic kidney disease stage 3. About 10 days ago, I had a blood test (fasting) with the following results: creatinine 2.0, BUN 31, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 40. Today...

Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, stage 3 chronic kidney disease is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 30 and 59 ml/min/1.73m². The two test results you provided, 40 and 51 ml/min/1.73m², do show a difference, even though both fall within stage 3. Due to the lack of b...

Understanding Your ANA Test Results: Do They Indicate Lupus?

Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? This is my second follow-up report, and the ANA titer is still 1:640, the same as the first time. All other further examination indices are normal. The doctor said that my two 640 results are quite high, which suggests that I likely have system...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus involves not only the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test but also the evaluation of other clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators. In addition to your current test results, you may discuss with your physici...

Do I Need Further Heart Catheterization After My Stress Test Results?

Do I need further cardiac catheterization based on my report? Under standardized dipyridamole stress test, (1) no significant inducible ischemia in the myocardium, (2) adequate left ventricular (LV) systolic function. ==============================================================...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your report, there is no evidence of myocardial infarction or heart failure. Whether a cardiac catheterization is necessary should be determined by a cardiologist based on your symptoms and blood test results. It is recommended that you follow up with a cardiology...

Do I Need Further Heart Catheterization After My Stress Test Results?

I have questions regarding my heart examination report. Do I need to undergo further cardiac catheterization? Under standardized dipyridamole stress test, (1) no significant inducible ischemia in the myocardium, (2) adequate left ventricular (LV) systolic function. ==============...

Significant Drop in eGFR: Should You Be Concerned About Kidney Health?

The most recent test showed a significant decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? Hello, Doctor. I am currently 29 years old, 153 cm tall, and weigh 50 kg. Last year, during a company health check, I was found to have elevated fasting blood glucose levels (118), but my hemo...

Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello Ms. Wang, drinking less water can also lead to a decrease in eGFR. Generally, 2500-3000 cc per day should be sufficient. If your cholesterol is elevated, dietary changes and exercise can help improve it. You may consider visiting an internal medicine specialist for further ...

Understanding False Positive HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know

Blood test results for HIV are elevated? Hello, doctor. I recently had a health check-up, and the results showed a positive HIV test, which requires retesting. Four months ago, my test results were normal, and I haven't engaged in any activities that could lead to infection ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. I tested negative for HIV; why do I need to test again? Answer: If you are in the "window period," you need to retest. The window period is the time from exposure to the HIV virus until antibodies to the virus are detectable in the blood. This period typically lasts ...

Understanding Arthritis Medications: Managing Symptoms and Side Effects

Arthritis medications I have been under follow-up in the rheumatology and immunology department for a year and a half. Previously, I was not on any medication, but my erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for 2 hours and 1 hour has consistently been elevated, with values ranging f...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your question, my response is as follows: 1. Your symptoms resemble urticaria, which may be a side effect of medication; both the anti-inflammatory or pain relief medications could be potential culprits. Urticaria is generally a mild ...

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Condition Monitoring and Questions Hello, Dr. Gao: I have been diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis for one year and am currently taking pain relievers, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators (quinine/enteric-coated tablets). My main symptoms are...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will assume that your condition is "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis" for my response. Here is my summary: 1. After dinner, your fingers swell (and the swelling subsides after digestion). 2. During exercise, your fingers swell (an...

Understanding Abnormal Autoimmune Test Results: Should You Seek a Second Opinion?

Examination report issues Hello, doctor. I previously inquired about my shoulder, neck, and arm pain that has lasted for three months. After examination, the report showed normal indices, except for two abnormal findings: Homogeneous 1/640 (Positive) and Speckled 1/640 (Positive)...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The physician's decision may be based on their considerations. If you have concerns, you can prepare your test results and seek a second opinion from another rheumatologist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua H...

Previous｜Page ｜Next