Understanding Positive IgM in Coagulation Protein Tests: What It Means for Your Health
Cryoglobulin test The presence of cold agglutinins, indicated by a positive IgM (1+), suggests that your body may be producing antibodies that can cause red blood cells to clump together at lower temperatures. This condition can be associated with various underlying issues, inclu...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to return to the rheumatology clinic for follow-up, as further examinations may be necessary. The presence of cryoglobulinemia is related to many factors, with hepatitis C being the most common. Even if hepatitis C tests are no...[Read More] Understanding Positive IgM in Coagulation Protein Tests: What It Means for Your Health
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Antinuclear Antibody (Indirect Immunofluorescence) Report I had this report done at the end of last year because I have been experiencing itchy and painful bones for many years, so I underwent a thorough examination. In my report, there are two highlighted results. One is the ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The general value should be less than 1:40. What does it mean if my value is so high? Is there a possibility of developing a disease? --> Generally, a value of 1:1280 is considered high, and we would conduct furthe...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Eosinophil count is low? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test at the hospital, and one of the items was the eosinophil count, which was <18, while the standard range is 40-350. Could this be related to my oral Prednisolone treatment (1 tablet BID) for skin vasculitis 10...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your low eosinophil count is indeed a change in your test results due to your previous use of corticosteroids. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Will it affect the test results? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if the presence of other viruses in the body, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, dengue fever, and other diseases, can affect the results of RT-PCR or other rapid tests for HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
If you receive a positive result for HIV, don't panic! Let's discuss the concept of "false positives" in statistics. Imagine a scenario where you are not part of a high-risk group for HIV and have no specific sexual orientation, but you accidentally get expose...[Read More] Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Understanding Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism has transitioned to hypothyroidism: Free T4 0.884 / TSH 27.07? Hello, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at the end of last year during a health check-up (T4 2.91/TSH 0.005). I have been taking medication in several phases: Carbimazole 10 mg/tab, one tablet each...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist to determine whether there are positive TSH receptor antibodies. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Hello, I would like to inquire about the rapid test results? Last Tuesday, I went to the hospital for anonymous HIV testing. My situation is that it has been one month since the high-risk behaviors (unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse). Although the result at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is possible, so it is generally recommended to follow up 3-4 months after engaging in risky behavior, and only if the test remains negative can one be completely assured that there is no issue. 2. Similarly, it is advised to retest for antibodies 3-4 months after engaging...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Vasculitis issues I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. On June 26, I visited a dermatologist who ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. The urine test results were all normal. A...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The ANCA test performed at a general laboratory can initially determine the presence of ANCA, and there is usually no need to specifically test for c-ANCA and p-ANCA unless the ANCA result is positive, at which point differentiation is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Post-COVID Immune Response and Concerns
Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Scleroderma and Urinary Microalbumin Hello, in April of this year, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department due to hand pain and found the following abnormalities: ANA 1:160 (AC-10) Nucleolar punctate, Anti-Scl-70 16 (-) reference value (120 au/ml), Anti-Sm 9 (-), Ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The results from your rheumatology examination are mostly negative, with some results falling into a gray area, making it indeed difficult to draw conclusions based on the current test results. The diagnosis of scleroderma can sometimes be confi...[Read More] Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Kidney problems Hello, Doctor! Last year, I visited the hospital due to a urinary tract infection. After reviewing my urinalysis report, the urologist indicated that my proteinuria was elevated and recommended follow-up with a nephrologist. Since then, I have had five urinalysis ...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Question 1: With normal urine and blood reports but abnormal ultrasound indicating bilateral parenchymal kidney disease, does this indicate Stage 1 CKD or has kidney function already been gradually impaired? (The physician only mentioned to return in six months for urine testing ...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Proteinuria and Cysts
Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Subcutaneous ecchymosis of the calf? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11, and around June 24, I noticed purpura and petechiae on my calves. I visited a dermatologist on June 26, where the doctor ordered blood tests including CBC, ESR, Creatinine, AST, ALT, and CRP. Th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have researched that one type of vasculitis is classified as ANCA-associated, which can present with symptoms such as sinusitis. I have been diagnosed recently and occasionally experience yellow nasal discharge tha...[Read More] Understanding Subcutaneous Hemorrhages in the Context of COVID-19
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
HIV testing issues? On June 5th, I had blood tests done at the provincial hospital, and the health record showed the following urine general examination and syphilis test items: - Treponema pallidum antibody test - Bacterial culture identification test (including general bacteri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For HIV-related inquiries, please contact the Infectious Diseases Department. If this is regarding health check-up items, please call the Health Management Center or the Laboratory Department.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Concerns Addressed
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I am #197271. Thank you for your response! I am really anxious and have a few more questions! The two tests conducted on May 29 were both negative (RT-PCR + combo test). 1. Can I generally conclude that I was not infected on May 8? 2. Are the re...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
HIV has a window period that can last 3 to 4 months, so a current negative test result only indicates that there is no detectable HIV virus in the body at this moment. To confirm that one is truly uninfected, follow-up testing is necessary around the 4-month mark. In the case of ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Concerns Addressed
Understanding HIV Testing Reliability After PEP Treatment
HIV testing issues? Hello Doctor: My situation is as follows: I had sexual intercourse with a person from A on May 8 and with a person from B on May 22 (both protected vaginal intercourse and unprotected oral sex). I became very anxious and sought PEP treatment at a clinic on May...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Yes, taking PEP may help suppress the virus, so generally, after a potential exposure, in addition to getting an HIV test as soon as possible, it is recommended to test again at six weeks and three months afterward. By that time, PEP will no longer be in use, making the results m...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Reliability After PEP Treatment
Alternatives to Carvedilol for Managing Hypertension and Gum Issues
Antihypertensive medication If you are currently taking carvedilol (a beta-blocker) for hypertension but are experiencing issues with gum swelling and abscesses, there are alternative classes of antihypertensive medications that you could consider. For example, you might discuss ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about antihypertensive medications, if there are adverse drug reactions that require adjustments, we will need your past medical history, medication history, and responses to the medications. Additionally, we will need to consider your physical exam...[Read More] Alternatives to Carvedilol for Managing Hypertension and Gum Issues
Assessing Severity: Understanding Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options
Mild or severe? Mild or severe? Celebrex (celecoxib) 200 mg, taken once in the morning and once in the evening, has become ineffective. Currently, I am experiencing pain in my knee joints, temporomandibular joints, finger joints, and both shoulder joints. I have difficulty squatt...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are many differential diagnoses for joint pain. If the symptoms persist and the response to medication is poor, it is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment sooner rather than waiting for 28 days. Thank you.[Read More] Assessing Severity: Understanding Your Joint Pain and Treatment Options
Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues and proteinuria? Hello, doctor. On the evening of May 2nd, I visited a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and explained that my urine in the morning was darker yellow, with a lot of bubbles that lasted longer than ten minutes. Aside from the first morning ur...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of foamy urine, including disease-related factors (such as proteinuria) and general physiological states (such as higher urea concentration in the first morning urine). This phenomenon serves as a preliminary assessment tool for individuals to evaluat...[Read More] Understanding Urine Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding HIV Test Results: What Do Changes in Numbers Mean?
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor: In May 2022, I had high-risk sexual behavior, but I did not engage in any sexual activity for the following seven months. In December 2022, feeling anxious, I went for an HIV blood test, and the result was 0.19. I had sexual activity again in Janu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. A general positive result is greater than 1, so values less than 1 do not need to be overly concerned. 2. If six months have passed, there is no need for further follow-up; however, if there are still risky behaviors, recalculation is necessary.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What Do Changes in Numbers Mean?
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Urticaria and Thyroid Testing After catching a cold at the end of February (with symptoms of sore throat and general weakness), I began to develop hives all over my body, particularly around my eyes and neck. I visited a clinic where I was prescribed steroids and received an inje...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a connection between urticaria and slightly elevated TSH levels? Do I need to see a rheumatologist for an examination? --> In cases of long-term urticaria, we sometimes check thyroid function. Your TSH is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Interpreting Blood Test Results for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Risk
Blood test report Based on the provided data, it is challenging to definitively diagnose acute myeloid leukemia (AML) without further clinical context and additional tests. However, several key laboratory findings may raise suspicion for hematological disorders, including AML: 1...
Dr. Li Yanquan Reply:
Please consult a specialized hematologist. Diagnosing a condition cannot rely solely on blood tests, as it can be very dangerous. Thank you.[Read More] Interpreting Blood Test Results for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Risk