Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
A few questions while awaiting test results
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
|
A few questions while awaiting test results
by puccinitenor, Mar 19, 2006 12:00AM
Hi Dr,
Just a few things I wanted to ask you while I am waiting for my Hepatitis Panel test results:
1. How reliable was a negative test for Hepatitis B 7 weeks (50 days) after the onset of my symptoms??
2. I have had abdominal pain (burning sensation) in the liver area (upper right) for about 48 hours. Its about a 3 or 4 in pain on a scale of 1 to 10. Can wait to see my doctor on Tuesday or should I seek immediate attention?
Just a few things I wanted to ask you while I am waiting for my Hepatitis Panel test results:
1. How reliable was a negative test for Hepatitis B 7 weeks (50 days) after the onset of my symptoms??
2. I have had abdominal pain (burning sensation) in the liver area (upper right) for about 48 hours. Its about a 3 or 4 in pain on a scale of 1 to 10. Can wait to see my doctor on Tuesday or should I seek immediate attention?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 20, 2006 12:00AM
, Mar 20, 2006 12:00AM
To answer your questions:
1) 7 weeks can have some effects on the Hep B antibodies. However, you may want to repeat the antibody tests at least 3 months after exposure.
2) I cannot make any specific recommendations without evaluation. Over the internet, I will always make the recommendation to see a physician if the symptoms are concerning. Workup can start with an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan as well as testing the liver function with blood tests.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
1) 7 weeks can have some effects on the Hep B antibodies. However, you may want to repeat the antibody tests at least 3 months after exposure.
2) I cannot make any specific recommendations without evaluation. Over the internet, I will always make the recommendation to see a physician if the symptoms are concerning. Workup can start with an abdominal ultrasound or CT scan as well as testing the liver function with blood tests.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Expert Activity
Related Expert Forums
Related Communities
Crohn
Crohn's Disease
Crohns
Digestive Process
Dry Skin
IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Stomach Ach
Sunburn
Ulcerative Colitis
bowel
colitis
colon
crohn's
crohns disease
diarrhea
enzymes
gallbladder
irritable
irritable bowel
large intestine
liver
nausea
pain
rectal bleeding
red skin
redness
stomach ache
stool
ulcerative
Communities
Ask a Doctor Forums
Tools and Applications
Personal Information
Medical Information
Doctors and Partners