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 taking tests in the previous 2 days.
But in reality, does alcohol 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 the blood viscous and promotes the formation of clots.Exceeded levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells 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, incorrect conclusions can be drawn, since this is typical for poor circulation.A high concentration of triacylglycerols is typical in the case of ischemic heart disease, as well as hepatitis of viral etiology.To prevent such mistakes from happening, you should inform your doctor in advance about the alcohol you have taken (if this happens).
In addition to the fact that ethanol distorts the blood parameters themselves, it sometimes damages laboratory equipment.So, when it interacts with reagents, the latter stop reacting to glucose.Enzyme tests will also be false if even a little ethyl alcohol is present in the blood.
How does alcohol affect your bottom line?
The results of blood tests are negatively affected by smoking and some harmful foods, in addition to alcohol.But the last factor is the most significant, which must be excluded.Tests after alcohol do not make sense, since they are not accurate.
General analysis
How blood parameters are distorted under the influence of ethanol:
- cholesterol levels rise;
- red blood cells are destroyed;
- hemoglobin decreases.
If you drink at least a little alcohol before a general blood draw, the number of red blood cells is guaranteed to decrease - these are red 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 is reduced, and, consequently, 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 vascular gaps is hampered.This not only prevents accurate research, but also threatens human health.If alcohol was consumed less than 10-12 hours before the tests, then the only thing that will show is the intoxication of the body with ethanol.
Biochemical analysis
Most of all, ethanol distorts the results of biochemical blood tests, which are designed to give a more detailed clinical picture.With its help, they find out which components are missing and which ones are too much and need to be reduced.
How does alcohol affect tests of this kind:
- lowers glucose levels;
- increases uric acid;
- disrupts cellular oxygen supply;
- worsens the general condition of a person.
A low blood glucose level may indicate developing diabetes mellitus, and an excessive amount of urea is a consequence of drinking alcoholic beverages.But the latter indicator may be a sign of serious circulatory disorders, as well as hemorrhagic stroke or pathology of the left ventricle.An excess of 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 tests.
Failure to comply with the preparation rules before taking blood tests, namely, the use of any 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 vessels of the brain.
Even during laboratory tests, doctors do not use products containing alcohol.Although there is an opinion that with their help it is possible to detect 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 previously drank alcohol.Such behavior entails unreliable diagnosis, as a result of which serious pathologies may not be seen and the moment may be missed.In addition, a hangover person who comes to donate blood will feel unwell.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 oxygen deficiency in the brain, which provokes loss of consciousness and dizziness.Even after donating blood, a person will continue to experience headaches for a long time.
In addition, while in a hangover, the 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
A blood sugar test is prescribed if metabolic disorders are suspected.The collection is done through a puncture in the finger.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.Even the reagents and laboratory devices used in the work react to it and give incorrect results.Thus, when examining blood containing alcohol breakdown products, contradictory indicators are possible: decreased or increased glucose values.
One gram of ethyl alcohol can add up to 6-7 kcal.With the assistance of liver enzymes, they are converted into sugar.That's why its level increases sharply.But a drop in glucose is also possible.Just a couple of hours a day, its content is 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 alcohol-containing drinks, even beer, affects the results of almost all types of tests.It is especially prohibited to drink alcohol before taking tests that are prescribed in anticipation of surgery.In some cases, tiny doses of alcohol are not prohibited.The doctor tells the patient in advance how much 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 for any processes that have a significant impact in the body to stop.
When taking ELISA tests (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 out that this rule is not followed by the patient, the procedure is postponed until the moment when the body is completely cleansed of toxins.
Drinking before alcohol testing and ignoring medical recommendations significantly complicates diagnosis.The risk of receiving false results increases.In addition to alcohol-containing products, you should exclude fatty foods from your diet, and also smoke less and be nervous.Under their influence, the level of hormones in the blood jumps.They make it difficult to detect viruses.Incorrect data can mislead the doctor, and he will mistakenly diagnose any serious pathology (for example, tumor, hepatitis).
Just before testing the blood of drivers to determine the degree of intoxication, there are no prohibitions regarding the use of alcohol.This kind of diagnosis is carried out without warning.In all other cases, you are allowed to drink only clean water, and then in small volumes.
Thus, 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 breakdown products, the type of procedure and the accuracy of its implementation.False diagnosis leads to an incorrect diagnosis and, consequently, unnecessary or delayed treatment.