Blood tests are a common medical test that many people take. Blood tests can reveal vital information about our health and enable medical professionals to diagnose and treat illnesses better.

However, before we have a blood test, there are certain liquids we should and should not consume.

Why do we need to fast before blood tests?

In most cases, fasting is required before having a blood test. The reason for this is that the minerals, hormones, and nutrients in the food we consume can alter our blood test results.

Fasting for at least 8 hours is advised before having a blood test, preferably overnight. Fasting allows the food consumed to be broken down, metabolized, and excreted from our bodies before the blood sample is taken.

What liquids can we consume before blood tests?

Although fasting is advised before blood tests, there are specific liquids that we can consume before the test. Drinking these liquids can help keep us hydrated, energized, and may help prevent dizziness during the blood test.

Here are a few liquids that are safe to consume before a blood test:.

Water

Water is one of the safest liquids to consume before a blood test. It is essential to stay hydrated and keep our bodies functioning correctly, and water is the ideal liquid for this.

Drinking water before a blood test can help decrease dehydration and prevent the formation of blood clots.

Black coffee

Black coffee is another liquid that can be consumed before a blood test. However, it is essential to have the coffee black without any sugar or other additives.

It is also vital to avoid adding milk or cream to the coffee, as these can interfere with the test results.

Black tea

Black tea is another liquid that can be consumed before a blood test. Just like with black coffee, it should be consumed without any sugar or additives.

It is also essential to avoid adding milk or cream to the tea, as these can interfere with the test results.

What liquids should we avoid before blood tests?

It is essential to avoid certain liquids before a blood test as they can interfere with the test results. Here are a few liquids that we should avoid:.

Alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided before a blood test as it can alter the test results. Alcohol can increase the production of certain liver enzymes and cause dehydration, which can affect the test results.

It is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the blood test.

Fruit Juice

Consuming fruit juice before a blood test can also affect the test results. Fruit juice contains high levels of sugar and other additives that can increase glucose levels in the blood.

High glucose levels can interfere with the test results and provide inaccurate readings.

Carbonated drinks

Carbonated drinks should also be avoided before a blood test. Carbonated drinks contain high levels of sugar, which can increase glucose levels in the blood, leading to inaccurate test results.

Conclusion

Having a blood test is essential in monitoring our health and diagnosing illnesses. It is vital to fast before the blood test and avoid certain liquids that can interfere with the test results.

Drinking water, black coffee, and black tea are the safest liquids to consume before having a blood test. It is also essential to avoid alcohol, fruit juice, and carbonated drinks before having a blood test.