Many people often think that a blood test is simply a matter of going to a medical facility, having a small blood sample taken, and waiting for the results. In reality, for the numbers on the results sheet to accurately reflect your health status, patients need to prepare thoroughly before going to the testing room.
According to doctors at the Laboratory Department of People's Hospital 115 (Ho Chi Minh City), in some cases, simply drinking a cup of coffee or forgetting to stop taking certain medications or supplements can lead to inaccurate test results.
This not only causes unnecessary anxiety for patients but may also force doctors to consider requesting a repeat procedure, resulting in wasted time and money.
Certain eating and lifestyle habits can significantly affect blood test results (Photo: Unsplash).
The following criteria will help you understand the important principles for a safe, fast, and reliable testing process.
Fasting as directed
For tests such as blood glucose, blood lipids, iron, liver and kidney function, or Helicobacter pylori testing, patients usually need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before blood is drawn.
In addition, some foods should be avoided, including coffee, tea, milk, and carbonated soft drinks, as they can alter biochemical test results. Furthermore, alcohol should be limited because these beverages can cause fluctuations in liver enzymes, blood lipids, and many other test results.
Additionally, certain medications or dietary supplements (vitamins, iron, calcium, etc.) can also affect test results.
During this time, you should only drink plain water. If you happen to eat or drink, the results may be affected, leading to inaccurate diagnoses. Therefore, it's advisable to schedule your blood draw for the morning so that the overnight fasting is less stressful and has less impact on your daily life.
If you are taking any medications or supplements, you should discuss with your doctor whether you should temporarily stop taking them before the test.
Avoid bad habits before your test day.
To ensure the most accurate blood test results, patients should minimize unhealthy lifestyle habits in the days leading up to blood collection.
Smoking should be stopped completely, as nicotine can disrupt respiratory and circulatory indicators in the blood.
Similarly, you should also avoid strenuous exercise or high-intensity workouts right before your test. This can alter the levels of certain substances in your blood.
In addition, staying up late, excessive stress, or the use of stimulants should also be avoided. When the body is tired and lacks rest, biochemical indicators are more likely to be inaccurate, making diagnosis difficult.
Stay relaxed and rest before having your blood drawn.
Before the medical staff begins drawing blood, take 5 to 10 minutes to sit and rest to allow your heart rate and blood pressure to stabilize. If you feel dry mouth or nervous, you should drink some water.
In particular, individuals with a history of needle phobia, or who are prone to dizziness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, or fainting, should proactively inform healthcare staff in advance to receive timely and safe assistance.
Medical history and health status report
Providing complete information about your health status is essential for analyzing the results. Please share with your doctor and technician if you are menstruating, pregnant, or undergoing treatment for a chronic condition. This information will help the medical team review and interpret the test results more accurately and comprehensively.
Where should I get a blood test?
For reliable results, choosing the right testing facility is crucial. You should select reputable medical facilities with standardized blood collection procedures, ensuring sterility, a team of experienced doctors and technicians, and a modern testing system to provide quick and accurate results.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/nhung-sai-lam-khi-xet-nghiem-mau-it-ai-de-y-20251029032125219.htm
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