Blood morphology is one of the most frequently ordered laboratory tests, because it allows for a general assessment of the condition of our body. As with any laboratory test, it is important to properly prepare the patient. Check how to avoid the most common mistakes!

We advisehow to prepare for a blood countto get reliable results!

Blood count: remember to fasting

Fasting is a very important aspect of preparing for most laboratory tests. What does this mean exactly?The last meal should be eaten approximately 12 hours after the test . Blood sampling for complete blood counts is usually performed in the morning, i.e. between 6:00 and 09:00. Therefore, the last meal should be eaten between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., depending on the time of the blood collection. Remember that the meal eaten the day before for dinner should be easily digestible.

Blood morphology: refrain from drinking alcohol

A small and single amount of alcohol should not affect the blood count results. However,alcoholis not recommended a day or two prior to testing. Alcohol may cause an increase in red blood cell (MCV) volume and thus suggest folic acid deficiency anemia.

Blood morphology: do not smoke on the test day

Smoke from cigarettes (even from electronic cigarettes) negatively affects the blood count. Substances in cigarette smoke may affect hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, and leukocytes.

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Blood morphology: remember to stay well hydrated

In the morning before the test, drink a maximum of one glass of still water to rehydrate your body. Be sure not to overdo it astoo much fluid can cause the blood to dilute too muchu. In this case, it may affect the hematocrit value.

Blood morphology: rested

The blood count should be performedafter an overnight rest, i.e. after 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep . It is unacceptable to come for the morning examination after an all nightat a party or night shift at work.

Blood morphology: don't exert yourself

To obtain a normal blood count result, avoid vigorous exercise the day before the test. This applies to both training in the gym and heavy physical work.Highly intense exercise can inflate your hematocrit and platelet count.

Read also:Blood morphology: how to read the result

Blood morphology: before the test, do not radically change your diet

Blood tests should reflect our current lifestyle. Hence,eating habits should not be radically changed a few days before the test.The test should not be performed either during the fasting period or during too abundant meals.

Blood morphology: rest just before the test and relax

After arriving at the collection point before the testit is worth to rest for about 15 minutes in a sitting position.This will stabilize the body fluids and calm the body and obtain a reliable result of parameters such as hematocrit or white blood cell count.

Blood morphology: do not perform the test during menstruation

Although menstrual bleeding is not usually mentioned as a contraindication to blood count testing, it causes intensive use of platelets. Therefore, during menstruation, the number of platelets can drop by up to half. If possible,perform a blood count 2-3 days after the bleeding has stopped .

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