Can I drink beverages before having blood drawn?

Nov 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, you should not drink beverages before having blood drawn. Beverages often contain substances such as sugar that may alter the results of blood tests. Additionally, other components in drinks might affect blood viscosity; consuming them before blood collection could dilute the blood, reducing the concentration of cellular components such as red and white blood cells, thereby affecting the accuracy of tests like complete blood count.

Generally, you should not drink beverages before having blood drawn. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Beverages usually contain ingredients such as sugar, coloring agents, and additives, which may alter the results of blood tests. For example, consuming a high-sugar beverage before blood collection may elevate blood glucose levels, thereby affecting the accuracy of glucose-related tests. Moreover, other components in beverages might influence blood viscosity; drinking before blood draw could dilute the blood, reducing the concentration of blood cells such as red and white blood cells, thus compromising the accuracy of tests like complete blood count (CBC).

In daily life, when preparing for a blood test, it is recommended to avoid eating or drinking after midnight the previous day and remain fasting until the blood draw is completed, to ensure accurate test results. Additionally, it is important to stay relaxed and avoid excessive anxiety before the test, as nervousness may interfere with the healthcare provider's procedure. After blood collection, be sure to apply pressure to the puncture site immediately and maintain it for a period of time to prevent bleeding.

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