The list of diagnostic tests must include a blood test.To get the most accurate results, it is necessary to exclude the influence of some third-party factors.In particular, we will talk about alcohol.Patients are always asked not to drink alcohol before taking the test in the previous 2 days.
But in reality, does alcohol affect blood tests?Of course, yes, and here's how:
- reduce the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin;
- reduce the amount of urea;
- reduce lactate and glucose levels;
- increase triacylglycerol levels.
Ethanol makes blood viscous and promotes clot formation.Exceeding hemoglobin and red blood cell levels can be mistaken for symptoms of megaloblastic anemia.
Alcohol has the greatest effect on blood tests of the biochemical spectrum.Due to low uric acid, wrong conclusions can be made, as this is typical for poor circulation.High concentrations of triacylglycerols are typical in cases of ischemic heart disease, as well as hepatitis of viral etiology.To avoid such mistakes from happening, you should inform your doctor in advance about the alcohol you take (if this happens).
In addition to the fact that ethanol interferes with the parameters of the blood itself, it sometimes damages laboratory equipment.So, when it interacts with the reagent, the latter stops responding to glucose.The enzyme test will also be false if there is a small amount of ethyl alcohol in the blood.
How does alcohol affect your bottom line?
Blood test results are negatively affected by smoking and some harmful foods, in addition to alcohol.But the last factor is the most important, which must be excluded.The post-alcohol test doesn't make sense, because it's not accurate.
General analysis
How blood parameters are distorted under the influence of ethanol:
- cholesterol levels increase;
- red blood cells are destroyed;
- hemoglobin decreases.
If you drink at least a little alcohol before taking a general blood test, the number of red blood cells is guaranteed to decrease - these are red cells that contain hemoglobin.They participate in the circulation of oxygen to all internal organs and tissues, then back to the lungs.
And ethanol has a damaging effect on the membrane of red blood cells, as a result, their motor activity is disrupted - they stick together because they stop pushing each other.As a result, their number decreases, and, as a result, the level of hemoglobin decreases.Against this background, thrombosis occurs and microcirculation slows down.
Since under the influence of alcohol the blood thickens and is filled with flocculent formations, its flow through the capillaries and through the vascular gap is obstructed.This not only hinders accurate research, but also threatens human health.If alcohol is consumed less than 10-12 hours before the test, then the only thing that will show is intoxication of the body with ethanol.
Biochemical analysis
Most importantly, ethanol distorts the results of biochemical blood tests, which are designed to provide a more detailed clinical picture.With its help, they know which components are missing and which are too much and need to be reduced.
How does alcohol affect this type of test:
- lowering glucose levels;
- increase uric acid;
- interfere with cellular oxygen supply;
- worsen a person's general condition.
A low blood glucose level may indicate diabetes mellitus, and an excessive amount of urea is the result of drinking alcoholic beverages.But the last indicator may be a sign of serious circulatory disorders, as well as hemorrhagic stroke or left ventricular pathology.Excess urea is also one of the symptoms of gout or chronic arthritis.This is why it is so important not to drink alcohol before taking the test.
Failure to comply with the rules of preparation before taking a blood test, that is, the use of any product containing alcohol, often gives inaccurate results.There may be an excess of triacylglycerols.These neutral fatty compounds are important for identifying many pathologies in the body: ischemia, atherosclerosis, viral hepatitis, blood clots in the vessels of the brain.
Even during laboratory tests, doctors do not use alcohol-containing products.Although there is an opinion that with their help it is possible to detect the infection more effectively.But since even a small amount of ethanol affects the data significantly, this option is excluded.
True, in practice, patients often hide from doctors that they previously drank alcohol.Such behavior requires an unreliable diagnosis, as a result of which serious pathology may not be seen and the time may be missed.Also, a drunk person who comes to donate blood will feel unwell.likely:
- fainting;
- dizziness;
- migraine;
- nausea and vomiting.
By donating blood in a calm state, a person does not experience any deterioration in his condition, because the loss is not significant.But after drinking alcohol, metabolic processes and brain circulation are disturbed.Then the patient experiences a lack of oxygen in the brain, which causes loss of consciousness and dizziness.Even after donating blood, a person will continue to have headaches for a long time.
In addition, while intoxicated, the olfactory reflex is very sensitive to various specific odors.And against the background of indigestion, even the smell of bleach or alcohol in the doctor's office can cause a gag reflex.
Take blood for sugar
A blood sugar test is prescribed if a metabolic disorder is suspected.Collection is done through a finger prick.And alcohol taken the day before thickens the blood, making it difficult to take.
Ethanol is known to have adverse effects on liver function.Even reagents and laboratory devices used in work react to it and give wrong results.Therefore, when examining blood containing alcohol breakdown products, contradictory indicators are possible: a decrease or an increase in glucose values.
One gram of ethyl alcohol can add up to 6-7 kcal.With the help of liver enzymes, they are converted into sugar.That is why the level increased dramatically.But a drop in glucose is also possible.Only a few hours a day, its content is stabilized by carbohydrates from the digestive tract.The rest, the liver actively synthesizes glucose, using strategic reserves.But alcohol disables this process, causing glucose levels to drop.
Only 2 days after drinking alcoholic beverages, glucose begins to be produced as before.
This indicator is also evidence of possible diabetes mellitus, but the doctor will think that this is a consequence of the influence of ethanol.As a result, you can waste time by not starting treatment on time.
When can you drink?
Any drink that contains alcohol, even beer, affects the results of almost all types of tests.It is especially forbidden to drink alcohol before taking the prescribed test in anticipation of surgery.In some cases, small doses of alcohol are not prohibited.The doctor tells the patient in advance how much is possible.
In general, it is forbidden to drink alcohol 1.5-2 days before taking blood from a vein.This time is enough to stop any process that has a significant effect in the body.
When taking an ELISA test (for HIV, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections), you must abstain from alcohol for at least 3 days, in individual cases - up to 7. Otherwise, the accuracy of the results is not guaranteed.If the doctor finds that this rule is not followed by the patient, the procedure is postponed until the moment the body is completely cleansed of toxins.
Drinking before the alcohol test and ignoring medical recommendations significantly complicates the diagnosis.The risk of receiving false results increases.In addition to products containing alcohol, you should exclude fatty foods from your diet, as well as less smoking and nervousness.Under their influence, hormone levels in the blood soar.They make it difficult to detect viruses.Incorrect data can confuse the doctor, and he will misdiagnose any serious pathology (for example, tumor, hepatitis).
Immediately before testing the driver's blood to determine the level of intoxication, there is no prohibition on the use of alcohol.This type of diagnosis is carried out without warning.In all other cases, you are allowed to drink only clean water, and then in small amounts.
Therefore, ethanol greatly affects the accuracy of blood test results, and they will differ significantly from the usual.This is influenced by the amount of ethanol breakdown products, the type of procedure and the accuracy of its implementation.False diagnosis leads to incorrect diagnosis and, as a result, unnecessary or delayed treatment.