Does alcohol affect nucleic acid testing?

Generally, whether alcohol affects nucleic acid testing depends on the time interval between drinking and testing, the amount of alcohol consumed, and individual differences. The specific analysis is as follows:

If only a small amount of alcohol was consumed and more than 24 hours have passed since consumption, the body will likely have fully metabolized the alcohol, with no symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or throat discomfort present. In this case, nucleic acid testing is generally unaffected. Alcohol itself does not directly destroy viral nucleic acids, and once metabolized, it does not interfere with the specific binding of primers to viral nucleic acids during testing. Informing healthcare staff about alcohol consumption beforehand allows the test to proceed normally.

However, if a large amount of alcohol has been consumed or less than 24 hours have passed since drinking, residual alcohol may still be present in the body. This could cause congestion and swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, affecting sample collection quality. Additionally, alcohol-induced irritation might lead to nausea or vomiting, disrupting the testing process. Therefore, immediate testing is not recommended under these circumstances. If symptoms such as fever occur after drinking, testing should also be postponed to avoid confusion with infection-related symptoms.

To ensure accurate results, alcohol consumption should be avoided before testing, and a stable physical condition should be maintained. Maintain regular daily routines and avoid excessive drinking, which can impair bodily functions. Eat light, nutritious meals, drink plenty of warm water to promote metabolism, wear masks properly when outdoors, wash hands frequently, maintain good hygiene, reduce infection risk, and provide a reliable physiological basis for accurate test results.