Hormonal changes during pregnancy can significantly alter many lab values suspect pregnancy, as this will affect test interpretation.
VERIFIED By: Dr Anurag Bansal, Technical Director, Agilus Diagnostics
Written by Tavishi Dogra |Updated : November 13, 2024 2:30 PM IST
Laboratory tests are essential for diagnosing ourselves and our overall state of health. However, a large portion of the population is not aware that one’s lifestyle variations dictate such tests’ outcomes and can cause confusion or unnecessary anxiety. It is, therefore, essential to be mindful of how your routine activities might influence the results of the following lab test and the measures you should consider taking.
Key Lifestyle Factors That Affect Lab Results
- Dietary Habits: Eating and drinking can substantially impact your lab results. High-fat meals can temporarily increase triglyceride levels, while sugary foods can spike blood glucose readings. For tests recommended under fasting conditions, 12 to 14 hours of abstinence from food should be ensured for accurate reporting. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding food intake before a test.
- Exercise: While regular exercise benefits overall health, intense physical activity can temporarily alter specific biomarkers, vigorous workouts can affect glucose levels, cholesterol readings, and enzyme concentrations like creatine kinase (CK) or alter electrolyte levels, leading to inaccurate results. It’s generally advisable to avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before a blood test.
- Alcohol and Smoking: Alcohol consumption can significantly impact liver function tests and blood sugar levels. Smoking affects various parameters, including blood oxygen levels and cardiovascular markers. It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before a test and refrain from smoking on the day of testing.
- Sleep Patterns: Lack of sleep may change stress hormone levels and, therefore, influence the results of tests. When people do not get adequate rest, they often have high cortisol levels and poor blood sugar control. Keeping fixed sleeping hours as much as possible is essential, especially days before the lab tests.
- Stress: Both mental and physical stress can influence test results. Stress hormones like cortisol can affect various parameters, including blood pressure and heart rate. Practice stress-reduction techniques and try to schedule tests during periods of relative calm.
- Medications And Supplements: Prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with lab results. Even seemingly harmless supplements can skew test outcomes as they may recommend temporarily discontinuing certain ones before testing.
Special Considerations For Certain Groups
- Older Adults: Age-related factors can influence typical lab values. For instance, kidney function and hormone levels may naturally change with age. Healthcare providers consider these factors when interpreting results for older patients.
- Pregnant Women: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can significantly alter many lab values suspect pregnancy, as this will affect test interpretation.
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