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 external factors.In particular, we will talk about alcohol.The patient is always asked not to drink alcohol before performing the tests in the previous 2 days.
But actually, does alcohol affect blood tests?Of course you do, and here's how to do it:
- 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.Exceeded 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, as well as in 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.So, when it interacts with the reactants, the latter stop reacting with glucose.Enzymatic tests will also be false if there is even a little ethyl alcohol in the blood.
How does alcohol affect your results?
Blood test results are negatively affected by smoking and some harmful foods, in addition to alcohol.But the last factor is the most important and must be excluded.Breathalyzer tests are meaningless because 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 draw, you are guaranteed to decrease the number of red blood cells - these are red blood cells that contain hemoglobin.They participate in the circulation of oxygen to all internal organs and tissues and then back to the lungs.
And ethanol has a destructive effect on the membrane of red blood cells, as a result of which their motor activity is disturbed: they stay together because they stop repelling each other.As a result, their number decreases and, accordingly, the level of hemoglobin decreases.In this context, 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 vascular lacunae 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 that will be shown is intoxication of the body with ethanol.
Biochemical analysis
Above all, ethanol distorts the results of biochemical blood tests, which are designed to provide a more detailed clinical picture.With their help they discover which components are missing and which are excess and should be reduced.
How does alcohol affect tests of this type?
- reduces glucose levels;
- increases uric acid;
- disrupts cellular oxygen supply;
- worsens the general condition of a person.
A low level of blood glucose may indicate the development of diabetes mellitus, and an excessive amount of urea is a consequence of the consumption of alcoholic beverages.But this last indicator can 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 the tests.
Failure to follow the rules of preparation before taking blood tests, that is, the use of any alcohol-containing product, often gives inaccurate results.There may be an excess of triacylglycerols.These neutral fatty compounds are important in identifying many pathologies of 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 its help it is possible to detect infections 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.This behavior implies an unreliable diagnosis, so serious pathologies may not be detected and the moment may be lost.Also, a hungover person who comes to donate blood will feel bad.Possible:
- fainting;
- dizziness;
- migraine;
- nausea and vomiting.
When donating blood in a state of sobriety, 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 disturbed.The patient then experiences a deficiency of oxygen to the brain, causing unconsciousness and dizziness.Even after donating blood, a person will continue to experience headaches for a long time.
Additionally, during a hangover, olfactory reflexes are especially sensitive to various specific odors.And in the context of indigestion, even the smell of bleach or alcohol in the doctor's office can cause nausea.
Taking blood to measure sugar
A blood sugar test is prescribed if metabolic disorders are suspected.Collection is carried out by means of a finger prick.And alcohol consumed the day before thickens the blood, making it difficult to remove.
Ethanol is known to have a detrimental effect on liver function.Even laboratory reagents and devices used in the work react and give incorrect results.Therefore, when examining blood containing alcohol breakdown products, conflicting indicators are possible: decreased or increased glucose values.
One gram of ethyl alcohol can add between 6 and 7 kcal.With the help of liver enzymes, they are converted into sugar.That is why its level increases considerably.But a drop in glucose is also possible.In just a couple of hours a day, its content is stabilized thanks to carbohydrates from the digestive tract.The rest of the time, the liver actively synthesizes glucose, using strategic reserves.But alcohol deactivates this process and causes 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 may lose time if you do not start 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 prohibited to drink alcohol before performing the tests prescribed before 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 prohibited to drink strong drinks 1.5-2 days before drawing blood from a vein.This time is enough for any process that has a significant impact on the body to stop.
When carrying out 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 moment when the body is completely cleansed of toxins.
Drinking before a breathalyzer test and ignoring medical recommendations significantly complicates the diagnosis.The risk of receiving false results increases.In addition to products containing alcohol, it is advisable to exclude fatty foods from your diet, as well as smoke less and be nervous.Under its influence, the level of hormones in the blood increases.They make virus detection difficult.Incorrect data can mislead the doctor, who will misdiagnose any serious pathology (for example, a tumor, hepatitis).
Just before conducting blood tests on drivers to determine the degree of intoxication, there are no prohibitions regarding alcohol consumption.This type of diagnosis is made without prior notice.In all other cases, you are allowed to drink only clean water and then in small quantities.
Therefore, ethanol greatly affects the accuracy of blood test results and they will differ significantly from normal.This is influenced by the amount of ethanol decomposition products, the type of procedure and the precision of its implementation.A false diagnosis leads to an incorrect diagnosis and, consequently, unnecessary or delayed treatment.