Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Which Specialist to Consult?
Blood report Due to work requirements, I underwent a health check, and the report indicates abnormalities in the blood test results! White blood cells: 10.53, Red blood cells: 5.22, Hemoglobin: 11.6, Platelets: 414. Which specialty should I consult for these abnormal indicators? ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you are likely referring to a slightly elevated white blood cell count and a slightly low hemoglobin level, correct? For the white blood cell count, the normal range for healthy individuals is approximately 3.0-10.0. Your level is only slightly elevated, which could be due...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Pain in the limbs and back? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain, pain in the finger joints and fingertips, pain in the toes, knee pain, and occasional elbow pain for the past 1 to 2 months. This past month, I went to a large hospital for examinations. The docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Some young individuals do experience intermittent joint effusion, with symptoms that come and go, often lasting no more than three days. In such cases, we generally first check for any serious rheumatic diseases behind these symptoms, as your p...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Can Syphilis Cause False Positive in HIV Rapid Test Results?
HIV rapid test I would like to ask the doctor, today I purchased the HIV rapid test from Chembio and the result was positive. Could it be that I previously had syphilis, which might cause a cross-reactivity and result in a false positive for "similar HIV antibodies"?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, having had syphilis will not cause an HIV rapid test to turn positive. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Syphilis Cause False Positive in HIV Rapid Test Results?
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Next Steps After a Positive Reading
Infection concerns Following up on the previous question about the HIV rapid test, I would like to ask if a positive result with the Western blot test is essentially also considered positive? If it is confirmed positive, what steps should I take next? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, a high Western blot result is likely to be positive. After that, you should visit an infectious disease clinic to test for viral load and CD4 T cell count. We will determine whether to initiate antiviral treatment based on your symptoms and CD4 T cell count. Thank ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Next Steps After a Positive Reading
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Recommendations
Abnormal rheumatoid factor? Hello Doctor, I recently had a health check-up and my RF factor was abnormally high. I am currently under follow-up care (all other tests are normal and there is no inflammation), and I do not have symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain in my fing...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Can I undergo aesthetic medical treatments normally? (such as hyaluronic acid injections or radiofrequency therapy.) --> I believe it is fine. 2. Can I practice yoga and engage in exercises that require strengt...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Recommendations
Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Questions about the treatment of cellulitis? Hello Doctor: My mother experienced redness, swelling, and pain in her foot dorsum at night in late November, accompanied by fever. Therefore, she went to the emergency department for evaluation. Although there were no wounds, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in patients with compromised immunity or poor blood circulation, cellulitis can indeed be difficult to resolve. It is usually necessary to confirm whether there is pus formation or bone infection. Based on your description, a CT scan has already been performed, which shoul...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
HIV testing issues I previously underwent a military physical examination, and the HIV test was conducted using the EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) method, with a result of 370.40, which indicates a reactive result. Does this mean it is positive? If it is positive, should I get tested a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The general testing for HIV is divided into two categories: the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and the Western Blot test. The former is considered a screening method with a threshold of 1, which can result in a small number of false positives; typically, a result greater than 20 is ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
Understanding Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy: Key Hormone Levels Explained
Hypothyroidism If one side of the thyroid has been removed and you are taking 50 mcg of Levothyroxine (Enthexin) daily, currently at six weeks of pregnancy, and after increasing the dosage to two tablets, your blood test results show T3: 84 (64-152), T4: 0.94 (0.7-1.48), and TSH:...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: T3: 84 (64-152) T4: 0.94 (0.7-1.48) TSH: 23.3 (0.35-4.94) This indicates hypothyroidism. It is recommended to return to the original clinic for evaluation by a physician to determine if any adjustments are necessary.[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy: Key Hormone Levels Explained
Why Do Blood Genetic Test Results Take Almost a Month?
Blood genetic testing Hello, doctor. Why does it take almost a month to receive the test results?
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, could you please provide detailed information about the examination items? Generally, genetic-related tests may take approximately 7 to 14 business days, depending on the specific tests required. The exact testing timeline can only be determined based on the specific items...[Read More] Why Do Blood Genetic Test Results Take Almost a Month?
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to inform you that I am a patient with myasthenia gravis. I am currently taking four tablets of Mestinon daily and one tablet of Anspine weekly. Here are my questions: Since mid-September, I have been infected wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, we are currently in the era of COVID-19, so it is essential to rule out this possibility by conducting a self-administered rapid test and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (at least four doses are recommended). 2. Secondly, the side effects of medications should also be c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: High CPK and Eosinophil Levels Explained
Blood test Hello Doctor, I went to the emergency room yesterday and had a blood test done. My results are as follows: Hb 17.0, HCT 50.1, MCH 31.8, MCHC 34.0, MCV 94, MPV 9.0, Platelet count 156, RBC count 5.36, RDW 12.7, WBC count 45, Eosinophil 1.5, Lymphocyte 39.5, Monocyte 7.9...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated CPK levels can indeed be related to vigorous exercise, and given your age, this is the most likely reason. Basophils are a type of white blood cell associated with allergies, and their proportion in the total white blood cell count is ...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: High CPK and Eosinophil Levels Explained
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Continuation #188061 Suspected Parasites and Blood Test Values Thank you, doctor, for your response. I have a few more questions. In your previous answer regarding point 2, you mentioned that "it could take months to years." Therefore, can we basically rule out that the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of a parasitic infection seems very low. 2. Yes, headaches can indeed be a post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), but they may also be caused by other factors such as high stress, insufficient sleep, or significan...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Suspected parasitic infection and blood test values? Hello, on October 1st, I consumed a steak that was not cooked to the required doneness (I requested medium, but some parts were rare to medium-rare). I am concerned about parasites (specifically, tapeworms) and have since been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The pork tapeworm can also be killed by freezing. 2. Each individual's condition varies significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. 3. Based on your clinical symptoms and blood test results, it currently does not appear to be a parasitic infection. T...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal urine sediment examination? Dear Doctor, Hello. I was hospitalized due to gastroenteritis and underwent an abdominal ultrasound. The gastroenterologist mentioned that I have chronic changes in my kidneys (irregular surface). I then scheduled an appointment with a nephro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, chronic changes in the kidneys usually require accompanying blood tests to assess kidney function, such as BUN and creatinine levels, to check for abnormalities. If the blood tests are normal, observation is typically sufficient. As for urine sediment, it usually does not ...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Sediment Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Urine Test Results: What Do Your Numbers Mean?
Urine test inquiry? Hello Doctor, I recently had a physical examination and I don't quite understand the following test results, so I would like to ask you: 1. Test Name: Creatinine (CRE) Result: 203.1 mg/dL 2. Microalbumin (Immunoturbidimetric Method) Result: 203.1 mg/dL...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these three values should be from a urinalysis, right? The presence of these three values suggests that you may have had proteinuria previously. The normal ranges for these values can vary depending on the testing methods used by different hospitals, so your report should ...[Read More] Understanding Urine Test Results: What Do Your Numbers Mean?
Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Consult a doctor regarding examination issues? Doctor, I would like to ask if this is really not a concern? Although the family medicine doctor told me today that it’s okay and not to worry too much. These two red numbers are Lymphocyte 54.7% and Neutrophil Seg. However, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the blood cell part, it is indeed as your physician mentioned. If the white blood cell count is normal, the neutrophils and lymphocytes are just a matter of ratio and usually do not require concern. As for the cholesterol levels, the elevation is likely due to a ...[Read More] Consulting a Doctor: Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult the doctor regarding blood draw and related issues? I apologize for the interruption. I was diagnosed about 3-4 months ago, and sometimes I feel like I have some lingering symptoms, so I thought I should get a check-up. Last week, I made an appointment with a famil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte count, as your physician mentioned, it is true that various conditions can cause fluctuations in individual values. Your results are within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. As for the outer part of your ear, based on your description...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Immune system? Hello, Doctor: I previously asked you about issues related to rheumatology and immunology, specifically about skin pain and itching. I believe I may have lupus erythematosus, and the doctors have suggested further monitoring. The patient has been experiencing persi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is autonomic nervous system dysfunction included in immune system diseases, or should I consult another specialty? --> Autonomic nervous system dysfunction is not related to the immune system, but immune system di...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, doctor. Last week, my blood test results came back as follows: Ant-TPO: greater than 600, Ant-Tg: 351.6, Thyroglobulin: 0.34, TSH: 4.18, T4: 0.69. I would like to inquire what these values indicate regarding whether the medication is effectively con...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for thyroid function tests may vary slightly among different testing laboratories, so it is necessary to return to the original healthcare facility to confirm the interpretation.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results