Daily Habits That Can Distort Blood Test Results

Dr. Dmitry Denisov, director of a medical laboratory, emphasized that patients neglecting preparation guidelines before blood sampling can complicate or hinder the accurate interpretation of laboratory test results.

He pointed out that several routine factors—including smoking, stress, physical activity, and food intake—can directly influence laboratory findings.

Denisov identified three common but often overlooked causes that can distort test outcomes, with smoking being the most prominent. He explained that nicotine triggers a stress-related response in the body, prompting the adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline hormones. Concurrently, the liver releases glucose from its stores, which may cause a temporary rise in blood sugar levels even in healthy individuals, potentially mimicking elevated fasting glucose readings.

Furthermore, chronic smokers might exhibit increased red blood cell counts as a compensatory mechanism for oxygen deficiency in tissues, potentially masking genuine disorders in oxygen metabolism.

The doctor also noted that stress or physical exertion prior to testing can affect results. Simple activities like climbing stairs, brisk walking, or anxiety before the test can stimulate the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, prolactin, and adrenaline. These hormonal changes may alter other test markers, simulating hormonal or metabolic disorders.

Denisov stressed that preparation protocols for laboratory tests are grounded in clear biochemical principles. He stated, "Each instruction, such as refraining from smoking for one hour or fasting for 8 to 12 hours, has a direct scientific basis. Patients often do not intentionally violate these guidelines but do so out of negligence or lack of knowledge. Adhering to them ensures accurate results that truly reflect the patient's health status, aiding physicians in making correct diagnoses and sparing patients from repeat tests or doubts about result reliability."