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There are many skin rejuvenation treatments available these days and it can be tricky to keep up with all the different terminology and the benefits each option brings. So, we thought we’d take a deep dive into HydraFacials, which are a great way to boost your skin’s condition. Let’s start with the obvious question… What is a HydraFacial? A HydraFacial is a patented skin treatment that combines hydradermabrasion – which is similar to microdermabrasion  – with an infusion of serums to boost your skin and make it glow. The procedure takes places in three distinct stages: Cleansing Exfoliating An infusion of serums to hydrate your skin One of the main reasons why HydraFacials have become so popular is because they require zero downtime afterwards – you can walk out of your appointment with refreshed, glowing skin.  The whole process is noninvasive and one of the best parts is that they can be tailored to what your skin needs based on the serum used in the infusion stage.  What does a HydraFacial do? The aim is to deeply cleanse your skin, helping to remove dead skin and dirt that can accumulate in your pores. A specialist device is used to cleanse your skin and exfoliate it, before the serum is applied.  A HydraFacial can be tailored to what your skin needs, so make sure you speak to your skin rejuvenation clinic  about what you’d like to get out of the procedure. Among the ways in which a HydraFacial can boost your skin are by: Rehydrating dry skin Reducing hyperpigmentation Removing blackheads Unclogging pores and decreasing pore size Brightening the skin’s appearance Plumping the skin Reduces the appearance of fine lines  One of the biggest benefits of a HydraFacial is how gentle it is on your skin compared to other options. This means even if you have sensitive skin, this can still be an appropriate treatment.  Make sure you talk to your skin therapist before you go ahead with the treatment to ensure that it is right for you and will deliver the results you’re looking for.  How often should you get a HydraFacial? There is no set frequency for HydraFacial treatments. You can have them every two weeks, depending on what your skin is like, or less frequently, such as every four weeks. Of course, you can simply book a HydraFacial to try the procedure out and see what results it gives you rather than committing to regular appointments. The key as with all skin treatment is to be mindful of your own complexion and what works best for your skin. That said, to see consistent results from a HydraFacial, and particularly to reduce the appearance of brown spots and consistently boost collagen production in your skin, it’s best to opt for regular treatments.  How long does a HydraFacial take and how quickly do the results show up? One of the reasons why HydraFacials have become popular is that the results of the treatment are instant. It’s probably one of the reasons why the likes of Beyoncé and Kate Winslet  love this particular skin therapy.  Results of the treatment typically last between four and six weeks, depending on the person. The treatment itself can take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the type of HydraFacial you choose.

During the winter, it is important to make sure you are happy and healthy, and one way to make sure you start the year on the right foot is to book a blood test with a specialist pharmacy  to ensure that your bloodwork is normal and there are no immediate health concerns. There are a huge number of   blood tests that can be done  to test for certain diseases, biomarkers for health concerns, to check for drug use, allergies and countless other factors. Whilst these tests generally look and feel the same for you, as we will draw a sample of blood to test regardless of the specific test, there are often very different tests undertaken with that sample, some of which are affected by your diet going into the test. Some tests are divided between fasting and non-fasting, but why is there a distinction, and how can it affect your results? What Does Nil By Mouth Mean And Why Does It Matter For Blood Tests? Fasting, sometimes known by the older technical term “ nil by mouth ”, is when your pharmacist or doctor will ask you to avoid eating and drinking anything other than water for several hours before a procedure.  In some cases, it is an hour or two before the test, in other cases, it can be for up to 12 hours before the test. Once you have your test, you can eat or drink immediately, and you may even be given a snack or a drink in order to help replenish yourself. Why Do You Have To Fast For Some Blood Tests? When you eat and drink certain foods and beverages, your body engages in processes to absorb lipids, protein, sugar, fat, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. This can cause levels of these compounds to spike, which can corrupt the result and create false positives. This is most commonly seen with   blood glucose  tests, which test the amount of sugar in your blood and can lead to inaccurate results if you eat beforehand. Other tests, such as lipid panels, iron tests and some types of metabolic panel tests can also require fasting. Do You Have To Fast For Every Blood Test? You do not need to fast for every test. The   full blood count , the most common blood test administered, tests for a variety of conditions and disorders, and does not require any fasting beforehand. Other tests only require you to avoid certain foods. Poppy seeds, for example, can   generate false-positive results  for opiate tests (such as codeine, morphine and heroin). How Else Can You Prepare For A Blood Test? Let the pharmacy undertaking the test know if you are taking regular medication, as it can affect certain test results. In most cases, you should still take them, but there are some exceptions. Let the pharmacy know if you are frightened of needles and bring a friend, as they can help reassure you that the process is quick and easy. Drink water before the test. Dress warmly, but in loose layers so you can roll a sleeve up. Plan a way to treat yourself after the test.

There is a wide range of services, prescription medications and treatments available over the counter at a local pharmacy, but alongside the types of specialist services only available from a pharmacist , it is also an opportunity to top up on essential first aid kit supplies and medications. One of these is   paracetamol , a very popular pain relief medication sold both on its own and in combination with other compounds to provide stronger targeted relief, help reduce feelings of nausea and sickness, and with decongestants as part of cold and flu remedies. However, despite its popularity, its sale is   very heavily restricted ; only 100 tablets can be supplied by pharmacists when there is a justifiable reason to do so, the boxes themselves contain a maximum of 32 tablets, whilst in supermarkets and other non-pharmacies, boxes were limited to 16 tablets each. This approach is still seen today; supermarkets will often display a “limit two per customer” warning for over-the-counter painkillers, but why was this implemented in the first place, and did it help to save lives? When Was Paracetamol Restricted? In September 1998, the   Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency  recommended the limitations, which were subsequently adopted by the UK government. The recommendations, which also included   changes to marketing information  to include warnings about taking with other paracetamol products and advice to seek urgent medical  attention if the recommended dose is exceeded. Why Was It Restricted? Paracetamol is one of the most commonly taken medications, but one concern that has been raised with larger supplies of it is the   potential for overdosing , which can be both an immediate medical emergency and can have long-term effects. In particular, paracetamol can cause liver and, rarely, kidney damage when overdosed, which can require transplants in some particularly serious cases of paracetamol poisoning. The logic of the restriction was that if there is less paracetamol available, there is less of a chance of a life-threatening overdose, as people would not stockpile vast amounts of it in favour of keeping one or two packets at home at a time. Did Paracetamol Help Save Lives? There was a significant reduction in deaths related to paracetamol, with one study claiming that there was a 43 per cent reduction in deaths, and 61 per cent fewer liver transplant registrations in the 11 years since the regulations were enacted, as compared to before. Part of this was how it affected intentional overdoses; Catherine Johnstone, former chief executive of the Samaritans, and Ged Flynn of Papyrus both made the point that access is a key part of intentional overdoses, and by limiting the availability of a substance, it can be potentially harmful in high quantities. The more resistance and the more steps that need to be taken, the less likely it will be carried out and the greater the chance that someone will be able to navigate a crisis period or find help. Whilst the causes of paracetamol poisoning are complex and are far outside the scope of the medication itself, it is fascinating how a relatively small step managed to save hundreds of lives and help people to avoid serious self-injury.

There are many countries in the world to which you can travel without the need for travel vaccinations , but you should always check before you go. Among the regions that you should plan and prepare for carefully is south Asia. Including countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, it is a part of the world many people living in the UK have family and heritage connections to, while others may be keen to visit for various reasons. For example, cricket fans may travel to watch the England men’s team play in the   Twenty20 World Cup  in India and Sri Lanka in February and March. Next winter, England will tour Bangladesh. Others may travel to world-famous sites like the Taj Mahal or enjoy the beaches of Goa and Sri Lanka’s south coast. How Soon Should You Be Vaccinated Before Travelling? Each country has its own specific requirements and there are also variations between areas, not least between urban centres and more rural districts. When you have decided where you are going, you can get your appropriate vaccinations, which need to be taken weeks before departure, so that your immune system is primed. In the   case of Pakistan , the MMR and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines should be up-to-date.  Proof of polio vaccine is required when spending four weeks or longer in the country. Yellow fever certification is also required, although there is no present threat from this disease. Hepatitis A vaccination is also recommended, as this is a disease transmitted through poor sanitation. Once you have had this vaccine, protection is lifelong. Those travelling to some rural areas may require vaccinations against mosquito-borne diseases such as: ·       Chikungunya ·       Dengue fever ·       Japanese Encephalitis. This requirement may depend on how long you are staying in the region and personal risk factors, such as having had Dengue Fever in the past. What Jabs Do You Need Before Visiting India? Requirements   in India  are similar as it is an adjacent country with similar climatic conditions, although these do vary from the hot south to the cooler, elevated north in the Himalayan foothills. The country has the same yellow fever certification requirements as Pakistan, although, once again, the disease is not present in the country. Recent   reports in India  have revealed outbreaks of Zika and Dengue fever. Vaccination against Zika is particularly important if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Tuberculosis is also a significant issue in India, which means those at risk of severe disease should get the BCG vaccination. Sri Lanka  lies in the tropics, and the same recommendations (tetanus, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and tuberculosis) apply as in India. Like its neighbours, Sri Lanka is free from yellow fever but has a vaccine certification requirement. How Should You Deal With The Threat Of Malaria? There is no vaccine for malaria, but it is important to have antimalarials in some countries in south Asia, such as India and Bangladesh, as well as taking precautions to prevent insect bites, such as wearing long, light clothing at night. However, Sri Lanka has been malaria-free for a decade. Rabies is also present across the region, but prior vaccination is not recommended except for those likely to have a lot of close contact with animals, such as anyone working as a vet. Anyone who is bitten or scratched should, however, get a course of injections to fight the virus as quickly as possible, to prevent any infection taking hold. Millions travel to south Asia safely every year. Provided you get the jabs you need, you can be among them.

There are countless blood tests available at pharmacies  and each of them is designed to test for a particular condition, but there are few tests as commonly undertaken as the full blood count (FBC). Whilst no single blood test can test for every condition, the   full blood count  is often the first test requested, as it provides a remarkable amount of information about the three main types of blood cells in the arteries: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Too few or too many of any of these cells can be a clear indicator of a wide range of issues, by checking the numbers of cells per volume of blood, the amount of haemoglobin, the volume of platelets and a wide range of other measures. The origin of the test and the ranges that are used as a baseline to determine if you need further tests are older than you may expect, and date back to the early era of medicine, before   automated systems existed  to measure complete blood counts. Who Invented Full Blood Counts? The first step towards complete blood counts or FBC tests was the pioneering microbiologist   Antoine van Leeuwenhoek , who was the first person to describe the existence of red blood cells in 1674. By the 19th century, both platelets and white blood cells were also visible through achromatic microscope lenses, which meant that the first complete blood counts were possible, although the exact measurements and ranges had not been confirmed quite yet. The very first full blood count was believed to have been undertaken by   Karl Vierodt , who manually measured blood count by taking a sample of blood and carefully spreading it onto a slide coated with egg white, a process that took more than three hours per sample to complete. It was an extremely arduous and time-consuming process until the development of both mechanical and electronic processes that simplified the blood counting process and made it much faster to garner meaningful results. When Did Full Blood Counts Become Practical? The first developments towards practical FBC tests began with the development of the   haemocytometer , a device that more precisely measured out blood and provided a grid scale that made it far easier to measure cells per volume and blood. As well as this, advanced staining techniques such as those developed by Paul Ehrlich and later Dmitrii Romanowsky helped make different types of red and white blood cells, with a similar but more sophisticated dying technique used to measure haemoglobin, a material found in various forms in the blood. The first practical albeit still manual FBC test came in 1929 thanks to   Maxwell Wintrobe , who developed a haematocrit test that was easy to mass produce, easy to scale and easy to reproduce results. This was iterated upon by the development of automated cell counting techniques led by   Wallace Coulter , who developed the Coulter counter that could count red and white blood cells, a system that would eventually be further developed throughout the 1960s.

There are so many health conditions that are hereditary, from autoimmune diseases to cancers and Alzheimer’s to diabetes. By being able to find out whether you have an inherited illness, you can make lifestyle changes that may delay, or help you avoid, these conditions.  This is where genetic blood testing comes into play, enabling people to have all the information about future health complaints, so they can prepare themselves and make relevant decisions, such as issuing medication.  How does genetic blood testing work? Genetic blood testing works by analysing the bloodwork, looking for mutations in genes or chromosomes, or proteins that are linked with certain hereditary conditions.  The blood results can show whether there are genes present that are likely to cause health problems or not.  What conditions can I be tested for? There are lots of genetic health conditions you can be tested for, but the most popular ones assess the risk of prostate cancer, breast and ovarian cancer, and bowel cancer.  Alternatively, you could test for cardiovascular health risks; haemochromatosis, which is the build up of iron in the body; familial hypercholesterolaemia, when the liver cannot process cholesterol, leaving high levels in the blood; coeliac disease, an autoimmune response to eating gluten; and lactose intolerance.  The tests determine whether you are more likely to develop the condition; though it is not a guarantee either way. For instance, if your results show you have a prostate cancer risk gene, this does not necessarily mean you will have prostate cancer in the future.  Similarly, if you do not carry the risk gene, this does not mean you will not develop it.  Why is it useful to know if I carry a risk gene? Lots of people who have seen their parents, uncles, aunts or grandparents suffer with an illness worry whether they will also endure the same outcome. For many, not knowing what their future will hold can cause them anxiety and stress. Therefore, they would rather have the assurance knowing they do not carry the gene, or be able to deal with their reality knowing they do.  A genetic test can also be useful if you are planning to have children, as if you find out you carry a gene that may result in a chromosomal defect, for instance, this may affect your decision about whether to start a family.  It can also help parents diagnose a condition in their own children, which might otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, a child with haemochromatosis  will not necessarily experience symptoms until they are older and their iron levels have built up to a dangerous level.  Knowing whether they are carriers of the gene, however, can enable doctors to plan treatment at a phlebotomy service  to remove blood at an appropriate age. This would lower iron levels, before symptoms, which include fatigue, joint pain, unexplained weight loss and even organ damage, begin.  Genetic testing results can also give you the opportunity to overhaul your lifestyle, such as reducing the amount of cholesterol you eat if you are at risk of familial hypercholesterolaemia, or eliminating lactose in your diet, which will improve your health for the long term.  It can even give people the opportunity to join clinical trials, which might not only improve their health outcome but could also help others with genetic conditions in the future.  What you should consider It is also important to consider there might be repercussions to genetic testing, such as finding out results you might not want to face.  However, having this information gives you the tools to tackle any condition, rather than ignoring it and hoping the risks will go away.

If you’ve been thinking of visiting a skin rejuvenation clinic  in recent months, you might have started researching the various treatment options – and there are many on the market. One that is growing in popularity is polynucleotide therapy, but what exactly is this and how can it improve your skin? What are polynucleotides? Let’s start by answering the obvious question. Polynucleotides are classed as bio-restructuring compounds. What this means in practice is that they stimulate your skin cells to produce more collagen.  We all know that the level of collagen in our bodies reduces as we age . We typically notice this in our skin, because this is often what causes wrinkles or skin to look less plump and glowing than it used to when we were younger. Polynucleotide therapy uses DNA from fish (usually salmon) to boost the skin’s natural collagen production.  What does polynucleotide therapy do? This treatment involves the polynucleotides being injected into your skin in targeted locations. Under the eyes is a common area to focus on with this therapy, for instance. This bio-restructuring compound boosts collagen production in that area, which results in improved skin hydration, enhanced skin elasticity and faster skin cell regeneration.  Scientific studies have found that polynucleotides can reduce the depth of wrinkles  and improve overall skin texture. There is also evidence that they improve the hydration and elasticity of your skin, all of which makes you look younger and gives you a glowing complexion.  What happens during the procedure? A trained practitioner will inject the polynucleotide solution into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue. The location of the microinjections  will be carefully chosen to maximise the impact. As we’ve mentioned, normally polynucleotide therapy is used to improve the appearance of the area under the eyes.  Depending on what you want to achieve through polynucleotide therapy, you’ll need between one and three treatments that are four weeks apart. This will give your skin a chance to recover between sessions.  You should start to see results within two to four weeks of receiving your treatment and the full effects of polynucleotide therapy typically become apparent after six to 12 weeks.   Although it’s possible to get results from just one round of microinjections, for best results we recommend a course of three treatments spaced four weeks apart.  How long does polynucleotide therapy last? There are a few different options when it comes to polynucleotide therapy. We use Lumi Eyes, which is designed to improve hydration in the skin under the eyes. This helps reduce the appearance of dark circles in this area, as well as reduce puffiness in the skin here.  The positive effect of this therapy usually lasts for six to 12 months after you’ve had the treatment.  It’s important to note that the primary aim of the Lumi Eyes treatment is to support tissue regeneration and deeply hydrate the skin in the under-eye area. There are other brands of polynucleotide therapy that provide slightly different outcomes, such as tightening the skin and producing a “lifting” effect.

A pharmacy that specialises in phlebotomy  knows how to maximise the accuracy of test results whilst minimising the amount of blood taken. Each of the hundreds of   different blood tests  requires differing amounts of blood in order to test for particular biomarkers, with requirements that will vary between 1 ml and 10 ml per test. As blood samples can often be used for multiple tests, it is possible that the same 2.5 ml to 10 ml of blood can be used to find a variety of results that could provide an accurate picture of your health. However, there is always hope that blood tests can be done with less blood and on smaller machines. Both of these would help make certain generalised tests more widely available if a dedicated laboratory or pharmacy were too far away. To answer whether it is possible, it is important to look at a rather famous example of a blood testing machine that did not succeed, and see if, despite its broken promises, the principle is possible. Out For Blood The story of   Theranos  is complex and led to criminal convictions, but what is important to look at is the invention they were developing for over a decade. Initially known as the Edison and later the MiniLab, the main goal of the company was to design a blood testing machine as small as a desktop computer that was capable of performing a battery of common tests using a tiny proprietary “nanotainer” containing a drop of blood. At one point, Theranos promised that the MiniLab would be capable of up to 200 tests on this single 1 ml sample, but there were multiple problems on principle with this idea. The first issue is that whilst 1 ml is enough for a   full blood count test , it is not enough to perform other tests without dilution, which potentially corrupts the test results. One of the biggest concerns was just how inaccurate the machine was for performing basic tests. The other big issue is the size of the unit; being so small meant that the different pieces of testing equipment were too close to each other and started to generate enough heat to corrupt or void the result. Finally, it relied entirely on fingerprick samples, which are often accurate enough for many common tests that you find on at-home testing kits. However, in other cases, blood needs to be taken from a vein in order to be as accurate as possible. Is A Tiny Blood Machine Theoretically Possible? Whilst Theranos was unable to prove that their machine worked and tried to hide the evidence that it did not, it does not necessarily mean that a small blood testing machine is impossible in principle. There have been other attempts to create microsampling devices, most notably   a team at Stanford University  who developed a machine that could measure inflammatory markers, lipids, proteins and metabolites from 1 ml of blood. However, they have admitted that their research is still in a preliminary stage, and at present, the way to get accurate, effective blood testing results is through a pharmacy or laboratory.

The human body is an ever-changing interconnection of complex systems that keep us alive and thriving every single day, and phlebotomy  is one of the most important ways to ensure that these systems are working as they should. One of the best and simplest ways for doctors and pharmacists to understand how your body is working is through   blood tests . There are   so many tests  that can be done on a small sample of blood, and we can offer specialist, bespoke testing if you have particular requirements, such as drug testing or diagnosing rare genetic disorders. Our specialists will get in touch and let you know everything they can do for you and how to prepare for the test beforehand. Here are some simple steps to take (and some not to take) in order to prepare for an upcoming blood test. Do: Keep Hydrated A doctor may ask you to follow certain dietary instructions or fast for a few hours before the test to ensure that there are no blood sugar spikes or changes in cholesterol levels that could lead to a false positive reading for a potential health issue. However, what you should do before the test is drink lots of water. Not only is it good for your health in general, but it also helps to make drawing blood easier, faster and painless. Do Not: Smoke Or Drink Alcohol A small bite of food can create inaccurate readings, but both smoking and drinking alcohol can have a huge effect on your blood and lead to readings that could indicate conditions that are not there. Alcohol   causes dehydration , whilst smoking allows for a number of chemicals to enter the bloodstream. In general, try to avoid either for at least 24 hours before you have any type of blood test. Do: Wear Loose Clothing Whenever you have an appointment where you might have tests to do, it is always best to make yourself comfortable, but make sure that you wear a short-sleeved shirt or one with loose sleeves that can be easily rolled up. This will make the process of taking a blood sample far easier. Do Not: Have An Intense Workout Much like food and drink, exercising can shift certain   electrolyte  and enzyme levels in the blood, as well as contribute to dehydration if you do not drink enough water the day before.  In particular, if you drink sports beverages or take supplements as part of your routine, avoid doing so the day before you test to avoid changing the results. Do: Let Your Doctor Know About Your Medications Some prescription medications can affect the results of your blood tests, but rather than stop taking them, let your doctor know so that they can give you advice on what to do next or take your medications into account when testing certain blood markers. Do Not: Stress Too Much About The Test A blood test takes just a few minutes to do and is painless. Try not to stress too much, as this can affect blood pressure and certain hormone readings in your blood.

If you have been referred for a blood test or are looking into certain types of elective tests, you will want to know how long you need to wait in order to get your results and the clarity that can often come with them. Because of the   sheer variety of blood tests  available, as well as a range of other factors that can delay collecting samples, booking appointments and scheduling time in laboratories and with blood testing machines, the turnaround time can vary considerably. This is particularly true with blood tests on the NHS, where priority scheduling and low capacity relative to demand can lead to weeks or sometimes months of delays. The good news is that by booking a blood test at our laboratory, you will skip many of the issues that can cause delays, and in some cases, you can have your results back in as little as an hour. However, there are a lot of factors that can lead to such variations in testing timescales, and here are some of the most common reasons why a test may take more or less time. Rarity Of Test The more common and requested a blood test is, the faster it can be processed due to greater access to the machinery and laboratories required. The   full blood count (FBC) , which is a relatively general test to check for a wide variety of conditions, is a starting point before booking more specific tests and acts as an overview of overall health. It can sometimes be completed from pinprick to results in less than three hours. By contrast, a rarer bespoke test, such as those that test for rarer forms of cancer, can take longer because they require specific testing equipment and specialists to check for particular biomarkers that indicate a tumour. Complexity Of Test Some tests can be completed fairly quickly, such as lipid panel tests for cholesterol,   tests of thyroid function  and blood tests for diabetes. By contrast,   blood culture tests , which are typically used to diagnose fungal and bacterial infections, can take up to seven days due to the length of time it can take to cultivate a culture large enough to detect. Other tests, particularly those involving genetic testing or DNA, can take considerably longer to complete. Access To Laboratory Equipment One of the reasons why we can offer same-day blood testing is that we have a well-equipped on-site laboratory, which means we can take a blood sample and process it right away to provide results quickly. Typically, having blood taken in the same facility as the equipment will lead to faster results, as home testing kits will typically take between 24 and 48 hours to travel via post to the laboratory. If the results are to be set via post, this can add additional time to the wait. This can also be the case for blood tests requested by a GP at a clinic which does not have nearby testing equipment, as they will need to take a sample that will be sent to a clin

Whilst there is no single type of test that can diagnose every disease, specialist blood tests  can get very close. Because blood flows throughout the body, carrying oxygen, nutrients, hormones, carbon dioxide and other waste wherever it needs to go,   blood tests  can reveal a lot about our overall health and whether some of the symptoms we feel are related to a particular condition. However, as with any test, interpretation is essential, particularly whilst waiting for the result of other tests or without a determining signifier of a condition. This is particularly true when a pharmacy or doctor reports an “abnormal” result. Whilst the word is often used interchangeably with “positive”, the two concepts are not synonymous, and there are several cases where an abnormal test is not something to worry about. Here is what an abnormal test means, what it does not automatically mean and what happens next. What Is An Abnormal Test Result? At its most reductive, an abnormal test result is simply one that produces a result that is out of the typical reference range for a particular   biomarker , nutrient level or overall blood count. Because the composition of blood is very complex and the body is exceptionally good at self-regulating, a blood test will first look for and automatically flag abnormal test results that do not fit within the narrow range of normal results. An abnormal result typically means that there is a finding that is worthy of focus or investigation, such as a higher level of a nutrient than would be expected, but the presence of an abnormality is not sufficient by itself to confirm a positive test. What Is The Difference Between Abnormal And Positive?  There are instances where the terms are used interchangeably, much like how “normal” and “negative” are similarly interconnected. However, whilst all positive tests are abnormal, not all abnormal tests are positive. A positive test is a test that confirms a diagnosis, often in connection with an examination, medical scans and the use of other tests such as   biopsies . An abnormal test, on the other hand, highlights when a result is out of the typical range for that particular marker, but it is possible for a test to be abnormal but not positive. In either case, depending on how far outside of the normal range the test is, there may be a recommendation to do further tests, particularly if the result aligns with other symptoms. What Can Cause An Abnormal Test Besides A Condition? The more unusual a blood test result, the more that can be gleaned from it, but blood tests require context to interpret, particularly given that several tests can provide wildly varying results depending on hydration, when you last ate, exercise or taking certain supplements. A single abnormal test may not be illustrative of any medical condition without further context, and some people will naturally have certain nutrient or hormone levels that are higher or lower than the general population. Even the time of day or level of stress can affect the levels of certain biomarkers, and all of these elements will need to be factored into the interpretation of test results. Ultimately, an abnormal test is worth examining further, but if the result is not too far out of the typical range for the test, you have no other connecting symptoms, and your clinical history does not suggest a potential issue, it may not necessarily signify a condition.

Biomarkers in the blood are often used to check for particular risk factors for disease, check the effects of prescription medication, determine the cause of problematic symptoms, determine if traces of certain drugs are in your system and provide a general overview of your health. Because of just how important blood is for a wide range of different processes, phlebotomy pharmacies  can run tests to check for almost anything with a blood biomarker. Alongside the   standard battery of tests , blood testing labs can often check for specific biomarkers on request and provide some advice on what to expect. Using a   blood test  is quick, straightforward, relatively pain-free outside of the slight scratch of a needle and in typical circumstances, is very accurate. However, you may be advised to drink water before the test, avoid taking certain medications and avoid consuming certain foods and drinks as they can potentially affect the results. Here are some common examples of foods to avoid when having certain tests and how they can affect blood test results. All Food Some blood tests require a period of fasting or ‘ nil by mouth ’, where you should avoid eating or drinking anything besides water for a few hours before taking the test. This amount of time can vary, but it can range from eight to 12 hours.  If this is the case, you will be advised before you are expected to take them, but a   fasting blood sugar  test for diabetes, a gamma-glutamyl transferase test for liver function, several cholesterol tests, electrolyte balance and (in some cases) iron level tests may require some degree of fasting. High-Fat Foods You do not always need to fast before a   lipid profile test , but you will still be asked to avoid foods rich in saturated fat in order to avoid improper and artificially high readings. Foods high in fat, which include not only typical offenders like fast food and processed meats, but also dairy sources such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, can spike   triglyceride  levels.  This can lead to concerning, abnormal results that will tend to require a retest in order to rule out a more significant diagnosis. High Sugar Foods And Drinks Blood sugar levels tend to fluctuate throughout the day as a result of consuming foods and drinks high in sugar or refined carbohydrates. These can spike blood glucose levels and produce false readings. This is often why, to play it safe, doctors will typically request that you fast for several hours before taking a blood sugar test. Caffeine By itself, sources of caffeine, such as coffee, do not alter the results of blood tests. However, they act as a   diuretic , which can cause dehydration. This can, in turn, concentrate the blood and cause elevated biomarker levels that may provide false positives for certain diseases. Similarly, caffeine can increase blood pressure and potentially increase cortisol levels and certain other tests of blood hormones.  Because caffeine can linger in the system for longer than other foodstuffs, you may be advised to avoid drinking coffee for at least 24 hours before major blood tests.