Little-known mistakes in blood testing

(Dan Tri) - Drinking coffee, forgetting to stop taking medication, functional foods, forgetting to fast before a blood test... are mistakes that are easy to make and can lead to incorrect results.

Many people often think that blood testing is simply going to a medical facility, taking a small tube of blood and waiting for the results. In fact, in order for the numbers on the result sheet to accurately reflect the health status, the patient needs to prepare carefully before going to the laboratory.

According to doctors from the Testing Department, People's Hospital 115 (HCMC), in some cases, simply because of accidentally drinking a cup of coffee or forgetting to stop taking some medications or supplements, the test results are no longer accurate.

Not only does this cause unnecessary anxiety for the patient, it can also cause the doctor to consider requesting a re-do, which is time-consuming and costly.

Some eating and living habits can significantly affect blood test results (Photo: Unsplash).

The criteria below will help you understand the important principles for the testing process to be safe, fast and give reliable results.

Fasting as directed

For tests such as blood sugar, blood fat, iron, liver and kidney function or Helicobacter pylori bacteria test..., patients usually need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before blood is drawn.

In addition, some foods should also be avoided, including coffee, tea, milk, and carbonated soft drinks, as they can alter biochemical test results. In addition, alcohol and beer should also be limited because these drinks alter liver enzymes, blood lipids, and many other tests.

In addition, some medications or dietary supplements (vitamins, iron, calcium, etc.) can also affect test results.

During this time, you should only drink water. If you eat or drink, the results may be affected, leading to incorrect diagnosis. Therefore, everyone should also schedule a blood draw in the morning so that the overnight fast is gentle and has less impact on daily life.

If you are taking any medications or supplements, you should talk to your doctor about whether you should stop taking them before the test.

Limit bad habits before test day

To ensure the most accurate blood test results, patients need to minimize unhealthy habits right before the blood draw.

Smoking should be stopped completely, as nicotine can disrupt respiratory and circulatory parameters in the blood.

Likewise, you should also avoid strenuous exercise or high-intensity exercise close to the time of the test. This can change the levels of certain substances in your blood.

In addition, staying up late, being overly stressed or using stimulants are also factors that should be avoided. When the body is tired and lacks rest, biochemical indicators are easily distorted, making the diagnosis process difficult.

Stay relaxed and rest before taking blood.

Before the health care provider begins taking your blood, sit and rest for 5 to 10 minutes to help stabilize your heart rate and blood pressure. If you feel dry mouth or nervous, drink some water.

In particular, people with a history of fear of needles, are prone to dizziness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure or fainting should proactively notify medical staff in advance for timely and safe support.

Health history and status report

Providing complete information about your health status is essential for the interpretation of results. Share with your doctor and technician if you are menstruating, pregnant, or taking medication for a chronic disease. This information will help the medical team review and interpret test results more accurately and comprehensively.

Where should I get a blood test?

To get reliable results, choosing a testing location is very important. You should choose reputable medical facilities with standard blood collection procedures, ensuring sterility, a team of experienced doctors and technicians, and a modern testing system to produce fast and accurate results.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/nhung-sai-lam-khi-xet-nghiem-mau-it-ai-de-y-20251029032125219.htm