Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Science/2019 September 27

= September 27 =

Interpretation of obscure blood test results
(1) DIRECT COOMBS (ANTI-HUMAN GLOBULIN) WITH REFLEX TO DIRECT ANTIGLOBULIN (Direct antiglobulin) - Positive
 * (2) C3d Direct Antiglobulin - negative
 * (3) Direct antiglobulin MONO   - positive.
 * (4) IgG Direct Antiglobulin - positive

Please explain. Thank you, AboutFace 22 (talk) 01:25, 26 September 2019 (UTC)
 * We have a main article about Reference ranges for blood tests, and you can also read our articles about the various specific ones (and their other technical terms), such as Coombs test. Beyond that, I think we're getting into No medical advice territory. DMacks (talk) 02:55, 26 September 2019 (UTC)

The Coombs test results can only be properly interpreted by a physician who is familiar with the patient that took it. Someguy1221 (talk) 03:00, 26 September 2019 (UTC)

You guys are cowards. Explaining the meaning of the test, which is done on WebMD anyway, does not constitute a medical advice. I am MD but in a different specialty. I got all I needed from other sources. AboutFace 22 (talk) 14:55, 26 September 2019 (UTC)
 * Hush yo mouth, boy. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 02:42, 27 September 2019 (UTC)
 * We're following Wikipedia guidelines...something that varies from site to site. Sounds like you have better and more complete access to reliable sources anyway, so why not update the articles so your patients can benefit? DMacks (talk) 14:58, 26 September 2019 (UTC)
 * It is against Wikipedia guidelines just as it is against the law in all English speaking countries (U.S., Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, etc...) to impersonate a medical doctor. 97.82.165.112 (talk) 00:17, 27 September 2019 (UTC)
 * As a medical doctor, I assume you're aware it's often not a good idea to interpret results with too little information. A certain result may mean something different in a 5 year old malnourished male with leukemia compared to a 45 year old pregnant female who had weight issues, diabetes and high blood pressure before pregnancy. Nil Einne (talk) 10:50, 27 September 2019 (UTC)
 * Since AboutFace seem to think he/she can insult people, I propose we simply ignore any question she/he might come up with in the future. --Lgriot (talk) 14:08, 30 September 2019 (UTC)
 * Or just box up this section. Which I did the other day, but got reverted. ←Baseball Bugs What's up, Doc? carrots→ 15:19, 30 September 2019 (UTC)

Exhaling vapor at above zero
Yesterday, while standing outdoors, I noticed I was exhaling plumes of water vapor just like in winter, but at above zero temperature. Why was that? The temperature was around 16°C and humidity 84%. If this is related to high humidity, at what percentage does the vapor start to come out? 212.180.235.46 (talk) 08:30, 27 September 2019 (UTC)
 * When breathing out you always give out water vapour. But if it is cold enough, your breath will cool to below its dew point and condense to water droplets, as a visible cloud. Graeme Bartlett (talk) 08:45, 27 September 2019 (UTC)
 * There's an explanation at dew point, basically the point where water vapour condenses and becomes visible depends on both humidity and temperature. Mist describes how visible droplets form when warm most air meets cooler conditions. . dave souza, talk 10:01, 27 September 2019 (UTC) amended 10:08, 27 September 2019 (UTC)
 * Actually you are misnaming vapor. You exhale vapor all the time, breath has water vapor in it when you don't see it. What you saw is this vapor condensing into tiny droplets (or even ice, when cold enough). Vapour pressure of water depends on temperature. if temperature drops (in this case, from ~37°C to 16°C), part of the vapor may condense, depending on the water already in the air. Since humidity was 84%, already close to the maximum (at 100% some condensation occurs), this just what happened. Gem fr (talk) 11:11, 27 September 2019 (UTC)


 * Yes, water vapor is the same as humidity, and is invisible. When you exhale humid air, close to 100% humidity, in the right conditions, it condenses into water droplets, which is what fog and clouds are made of. If it contacts a cool surface, the water will condense there, and form dew. SinisterLefty (talk) 12:42, 27 September 2019 (UTC)