Myths about preparing and passing tests

From my own experience of the medical center I.D.Clinic

We want to talk a little and destroy myths about preparing and passing tests.

When you sign up for various tests as prescribed by a doctor, there is a Soviet stereotype that you don't need to eat or drink anything, but this is not true.

Most tests can not be taken on an empty stomach.

But there are exceptions! when you can't eat before taking such tests as:

• diabetes;
• anemia;
• increased cholesterol level;
• liver disease.

Why? Let's consider the panel of tests for diabetes, blood glucose level.

When we eat or drink alcohol, the level of glucose, some minerals, vitamins, fat carriers (lipoproteins) and some enzymes in the blood changes. Measuring the level of indicators of these substances is of crucial importance for diagnosing various diseases. If you consume food and sweet drinks, the glucose level will increase and the test will already turn out to be false

An alternative test for glucose level that does not require fasting is the glycosylated hemoglobin test. It reflects the average blood sugar level for the last three months.

Iron is absorbed into the blood rather quickly. If we eat before the tests, they will show a falsely high result. The intake of iron supplements should be stopped one day before the blood donation.

The next analysis is on the level of cholesterol (triglycerides, lipoproteins of high, low and very low density).

After eating, the consumed fats are redistributed in the body, so the analysis will show an increased result. Also, before cholesterol level tests you can't drink alcohol for a day - it can greatly increase the indicators.

Here is an important clarification: there are recommendations that allow you not to starve before taking a lipidogram (analysis of various fat carriers).

First of all, they concern:

• children
• elderly people
• people with diabetes
• people who take medicine consistently

If it is difficult for you to refrain from eating food, for example, you have severe discomfort if you do not eat, consult a doctor because everything has its consequences: additional funds for retaking the analysis, incorrect diagnosis, incorrect treatment.

When studying markers of the work of liver and kidneys  fasting and abstinence from alcohol are necessary

Analysis for vitamin B12 measures how much vitamin is in the blood.  This can help diagnose a specific type of anemia. Some medications can also distort the result, so it is worth discussing the preparation for the test with the doctor.

When taking these tests: coffee, alcohol, smoking, drugs, dietary supplements, hormonal drugs, chewing gum and training before blood donation distort the results.

In the rest of the cases, you can calmly have breakfast and not starve yourself before taking the tests.

Before what tests can eat food:

• Blood formula and hemoglobin level.
• Infectious disease analyzes and genetic tests.
• The level of glycated hemoglobin (an additional marker of diabetes).
• The level of certain hormones in the blood.

Limit yourself in the consumption of fatty food 24 hours before taking the tests - it is better to save a juicy burger or fried potatoes for lunch after visiting the laboratory.

If your analysis is included in the list of those before which you need to refrain from eating during the time recommended by the doctor - do not postpone the visit to the laboratory for the middle of the day and schedule the analysis from the very morning.

This seems like simple advice, but many people find it difficult to follow.

If you aim to get the clearest analysis results. Consult your doctor and follow his instructions.

Let's draw conclusions! You don't always need to starve before taking tests!

Always check with your doctor about the preparation for the tests you have been prescribed.

Clean water can always be drunk regardless of the time of day.

In most cases, you can not eat 2-4 hours before taking the tests.

But you don't always need to take tests in the morning!

I.D.Clinic reminds that all analyzes you can take it in our medical center at a location convenient for you. Our doctors and nurses will provide all the necessary information for preparation and we wish you good health.