Tag: Blood test accuracy

Did you know a person's hydration status can significantly skew blood test results? A severely dehydrated patient's hemoglobin reading can appear up to 15% higher than their actual level, while excessive fluid can cause a falsely low result.

Dehydration is the most frequent cause of elevated total protein levels on a blood test. This occurs because when the body loses water, the blood plasma volume decreases, concentrating the proteins that remain within the bloodstream. This mechanism is crucial to understand for anyone getting routine blood work done, as it can otherwise lead to misleading test results.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a patient may be asked to fast for 12 hours before an iron blood test to ensure the most accurate results. Dietary choices in the hours leading up to your blood draw can significantly affect your serum iron levels, potentially leading to a misdiagnosis. Understanding which foods interfere with iron absorption is crucial for proper test preparation.

Over half of the human body is composed of water, and fluctuations in hydration status can significantly impact blood test results. In fact, dehydration is a frequent cause of falsely elevated total protein levels. So, will drinking water reduce protein in the blood to more normal levels if the high reading is due to this factor?

According to Cleveland Clinic, you typically need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before a blood test, depending on the specific lab work your doctor has ordered. Knowing exactly how long does it take for a blood fast is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of your results and avoiding the inconvenience of a retest.