The list of diagnostic tests must include a blood test.To obtain the most accurate results, it is necessary to exclude the influence of a number of third-party factors.In particular we will talk about alcohol.The patient is always asked not to drink alcohol before undergoing tests in the previous 2 days.
But does alcohol actually affect blood tests?Of course yes, and here's how:
- reduces the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin;
- reduces the volume of urea;
- reduces lactate and glucose levels;
- increases the level of triacylglycerols.
Ethanol makes blood viscous and promotes clot formation.Excessive levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells can be confused with symptoms of megaloblastic anemia.
Alcohol has the greatest effect on blood tests of the biochemical spectrum.Due to the low level of uric acid, incorrect conclusions can be drawn, as this is typical of poor circulation.A high concentration of triacylglycerols is typical in the case of ischemic heart disease and hepatitis of viral etiology.To prevent such errors from occurring, you should inform your doctor in advance about the alcohol you have consumed (if this happens).
In addition to the fact that ethanol distorts the blood parameters themselves, it sometimes damages laboratory equipment.Then, when it interacts with the reagents, the reagents stop reacting to glucose.Enzyme tests will also be false if even a small amount of ethyl alcohol is present in the blood.
How does alcohol affect your bottom line?
Blood test results are negatively affected by smoking and some harmful foods, as well as alcohol.But the latter is the most significant factor, which must be excluded.Tests after alcohol are meaningless, as they are 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 a general blood test, the number of red blood cells will certainly decrease - these are red blood cells containing hemoglobin.They participate in the circulation of oxygen to all internal organs and tissues, then back to the lungs.
And ethanol has a destructive effect on the membrane of red blood cells, as a result, their motor activity is disrupted: they stick together because they stop repelling each other.As a result, their number decreases, and, accordingly, the level of hemoglobin decreases.Against this background, thrombosis occurs and microcirculation slows down.
Since under the influence of alcohol the blood thickens and fills with flocculent formations, its flow through the capillaries and through the vascular spaces is hindered.This not only prevents accurate research, but also threatens human health.If alcohol was consumed less than 10-12 hours before the tests, the only thing it 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 find out which components are missing and which are too many and need to be reduced.
How does alcohol affect tests like this:
- lowers glucose levels;
- increases uric acid;
- interrupts the cellular oxygen supply;
- worsens the general condition of a person.
A low blood glucose level may indicate the development of diabetes mellitus, and an excessive amount of urea is a consequence of drinking alcoholic beverages.But the latter indicator can be a sign of serious circulatory disorders, as well as hemorrhagic stroke or pathology of the left ventricle.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 tests.
Failure to comply with the rules of preparation before taking blood tests, that is, the use of alcohol-containing products, 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 cerebral vessels.
Even during laboratory tests, doctors do not use products containing alcohol.Although it is believed that with their help it is possible to detect the infection more effectively.But since even a small amount of ethanol significantly distorts the data, this option is excluded.
True, in practice, patients often hide from doctors that they had previously drunk alcohol.This behavior leads to an unreliable diagnosis, so serious pathologies are not seen and the moment can be missed.Also, a hungover person who comes to donate blood will not feel well.Possible:
- fainting;
- dizziness;
- migraine;
- nausea and vomiting.
By donating blood in a sober state, a person does not experience any deterioration in his condition, since the losses are insignificant.But after drinking alcohol, metabolic processes and cerebral circulation are disrupted.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 suffer from headaches for a long time.
In addition, during a hangover, olfactory reflexes are especially 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.
Taking blood for sugar
If metabolic disorders are suspected, a blood sugar test is prescribed.Collection occurs through a finger prick.And alcohol consumed the day before thickens the blood, making it difficult to draw.
Ethanol is known to have a detrimental effect on liver function.The reagents and laboratory devices used in the work also react and give incorrect results.Therefore, when examining blood containing alcohol degradation products, contradictory indicators are possible: decreased or increased glucose values.
One gram of ethyl alcohol can provide up to 6-7 kcal.With the help of liver enzymes they are converted into sugar.That's why its level increases significantly.But a drop in glucose is also possible.Just a couple of hours a day, its contents are stabilized by carbohydrates from the digestive tract.The rest of the time, 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 does glucose begin 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 is it okay to drink?
Any drink containing alcohol, even beer, affects the results of almost all types of tests.It is especially forbidden to drink alcohol before undergoing the tests prescribed in anticipation of surgery.In some cases, small doses of alcohol are not prohibited.The doctor tells the patient in advance what is possible.
In general, it is forbidden to take strong drinks 1.5-2 days before taking blood from a vein.This time is enough to stop all processes that have a significant impact on the body.
When taking ELISA tests (for HIV, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted infections), it is necessary to 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 the patient does not follow this rule, the procedure is postponed until the body is completely cleansed of toxins.
Drinking before alcohol testing and ignoring medical recommendations significantly complicates the diagnosis.Increases the risk of receiving false results.In addition to alcohol-containing products, you should exclude fatty foods from your diet, smoke less and be nervous.Under their influence, the level of hormones in the blood increases.They make viruses difficult to detect.Incorrect data can mislead the doctor and misdiagnose any serious pathology (for example, cancer, hepatitis).
Just before testing the blood of drivers to determine the degree of intoxication, there are no bans on the use of alcohol.This type of diagnosis is made without warning.In all other cases, it is allowed to drink only clean water and then in small volumes.
Therefore, ethanol greatly affects the accuracy of blood test results and they will differ significantly from normal ones.This is influenced by the amount of ethanol degradation products, the type of procedure and the accuracy of its implementation.Incorrect diagnosis leads to misdiagnosis and, consequently, unnecessary or delayed treatment.