The list of diagnostic tests should 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 the tests in the previous 2 days.
But in reality, does alcohol affect blood tests?Of course you do, and here's how:
- reduces the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin;
- reduces the volume of urea;
- reduces the level of lactate and glucose;
- increases the level of triacylglycerols.
Ethanol makes blood viscous and promotes clot formation.Excessive 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, inaccurate conclusions can be drawn, as this is typical of poor circulation.A high concentration of triacylglycerols is typical in the case of ischemic heart diseases, as well as hepatitis of viral etiology.To prevent such mistakes, 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 parameters of the blood itself, it sometimes damages laboratory equipment.So, when it interacts with the reagents, the latter 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?
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 important, which should be excluded.Post-alcohol tests are meaningless, as they are not accurate.
General analysis
How blood parameters are distorted under the influence of ethanol:
- cholesterol level increases;
- 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 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 destructive effect on the membrane of red blood cells, as a result, their motor activity is interrupted - they stick together because they stop repelling each other.As a result, their number decreases and, therefore, the level of hemoglobin decreases.Against this background, thrombosis appears 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 gaps is hindered.This not only prevents accurate research, but also threatens human health.If alcohol was consumed less than 10-12 hours before the analysis, then the only thing that will show is the intoxication of the body with ethanol.
Biochemical analysis
Above 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 are too many and need to be reduced.
How alcohol affects tests of this type:
- lowers the glucose level;
- increases uric acid;
- disrupts cellular oxygen supply;
- worsens the general condition of a person.
A low level of glucose in the blood can indicate the development of diabetes mellitus, and an excessive amount of urea is a consequence of drinking alcoholic beverages.But the last indicator can be a sign of serious blood circulation disorders, as well as a 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, namely the use of any product containing alcohol, often gives incorrect 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 significantly distorts the data, this option is excluded.
True, in practice, patients often hide from doctors that they previously drank alcohol.Such behavior leads to unreliable diagnosis, as a result of which serious pathologies may not be seen and the moment may be lost.Besides, an addict who comes to donate blood will feel bad.Possible:
- fainting;
- dizziness;
- migraine;
- nausea and vomiting.
By donating blood in a sober state, a person does not experience any deterioration in his condition, as the losses are insignificant.But after drinking alcohol, metabolic processes and cerebral circulation are disrupted.Then the patient experiences a lack of oxygen to 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, during a hangover, the olfactory reflexes are particularly sensitive to various specific smells.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.Collection is done through a finger prick.And the alcohol consumed the day before thickens the blood, making it difficult to expel.
Ethanol is known to have a detrimental effect on liver function.Even reagents and laboratory equipment used at work react to it and give inaccurate results.Thus, during the examination of blood containing alcohol breakdown products, contradictory indicators are possible: decrease or 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 its level increases significantly.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 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, glucose begins to be produced as before.
This indicator is also evidence of possible diabetes, but the doctor will think that this is a consequence of the influence of ethanol.As a result, you may waste time by not starting treatment on time.
When is it okay to 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 tests that are prescribed in anticipation of the operation.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 take strong drinks 1.5-2 days before taking blood from the vein.This time is enough for any process that has a significant impact on 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 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 the diagnosis.The risk of obtaining false results increases.In addition to products containing alcohol, you should exclude fatty foods from your diet, as well as 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 the blood test of drivers to determine the degree of intoxication, there are no prohibitions regarding the use of alcohol.This type of diagnosis is performed 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 decomposition products, the type of procedure and the accuracy of its implementation.False diagnosis leads to misdiagnosis and, therefore, unnecessary or delayed treatment.