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Does dehydration affect blood tests?

Possibly. A complete blood count (CBC) test evaluates the overall health of the blood cells circulating in the body. Hematocrit is one component of the CBC test that can be skewed as a result of dehydration.

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Does Dehydration Affect Blood Tests?

Does Dehydration Affect Blood Tests?

Dehydration is one of several factors that should be considered when inaccurate blood test results are suspected. Water accounts for approximately 60% of an adult human’s body weight, and impacts virtually every system in the body—including the circulatory system. Which blood tests are most commonly affected by dehydration? Learn more below.

Can dehydration skew a cholesterol test?

Yes, it is possible for dehydration to skew the results of a cholesterol test. This is attributed to the fact that dehydration can cause blood volume to decrease, leading to a drop in blood pressure and blood flow. When this occurs, it increases the risk of cholesterol accumulation in the arteries. Additionally, the body may increase the production of cholesterol in response to severe dehydration, in order to protect cell membranes.

Can dehydration affect an electrolyte test?

Yes. Electrolytes are minerals found in body tissues and fluids in the form of dissolved salts and are responsible for maintaining a healthy water balance. A typical electrolyte panel measures sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Any condition that affects the amount of fluid in the body—including dehydration—can cause an electrolyte imbalance.

Can dehydration affect a kidney values test?

Yes. Two of the most common tests for evaluating kidney function and diagnosing kidney disease are the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test and the creatinine test. Both tests measure the amount of waste product in the blood; higher volumes of BUN and creatinine indicate that the kidneys are not working properly. Dehydration is known to reduce blood flow to the kidneys and elevate creatinine and BUN levels in the blood.

Can dehydration skew a CBC test?

Possibly. A complete blood count (CBC) test evaluates the overall health of the blood cells circulating in the body. Hematocrit is one component of the CBC test that can be skewed as a result of dehydration. This test measures the proportion of blood that is made up of red blood cells (RBCs); as the volume of fluid in the blood drops, the proportion of RBCs rises. Humans get about 20% of the water we need to sustain our bodies from the foods we eat, so fasting can increase the risk of dehydration. If your doctor recommends fasting before a blood test, be sure to drink enough water leading up to the test to help ensure accurate results.

Before you go…

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What is the fastest way to recover from a blood draw?

In the hours after you give blood, make sure to: Drink plenty of fluids to help replace the lost fluid. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink. Limit your physical activity for several hours.

Overview

You have just had some blood removed. This procedure is called phlebotomy (say "fleh-BAW-tuh-mee"). People have their blood taken (drawn) for several reasons. You may have just donated blood so that it can be used to help someone else. Or you may have had blood removed to treat a medical condition, such as hemochromatosis or polycythemia. These take more blood than the sample that is needed for simple lab tests. For donation, about a pint of blood is drawn. If it's drawn for treatment, then more or less than a pint may be taken. The puncture wound caused by the poke from the needle for giving blood usually heals without trouble. Most people feel fine after they give blood. But there are some simple things you can do to take care of yourself before you go home.

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