Explore how smoking and drinking can alter blood test results, leading to incorrect diagnoses and concerns.
Smoking and alcohol consumption can significantly skew blood test results, leading to misdiagnosis or unnecessary concern.
Drinking before a test elevates liver enzymes, possibly indicating liver damage.
GGT levels spike after moderate drinking, marking it a sensitive indicator for recent alcohol intake.
Alcohol increases triglyceride levels, distorting lipid profile results and cardiovascular assessments.
High MCV in a CBC may indicate long-term alcohol use due to bone marrow toxicity.
EtG and PEth tests can detect alcohol for up to 3 weeks after drinking.
Smokers often show elevated blood levels that may mimic infection or other conditions.
Smoking raises CEA levels, potentially causing false positives in cancer screenings.
Avoid alcohol for 24–72 hours and smoking for 8–12 hours before a blood test for accuracy.