Do antibiotics affect blood tests?

[Avengers26]

I have a general question whether antibiotics affect blood testing. The blood tests could be for immune markers or to test for more infections etc. etc. Should one stay off antibiotics before blood testing & if so for how long?

My doctor found an active bacterial infection & would like me to take antibiotics for it. But, I am also scheduled to see another doctor to get tested for viral infections & immune markers etc. So, I am thinking out loud on what would be the best course of action. Please advice. Thanks.

 

[xchocoholic]

Great question. I don't know the answer but google had multiple credible links. I posted it just like you did. They appear to effect several labs.

I'm still reading the kantrowitz article. Fascinating.

 

[Avengers26]

hi @xchocoholic , what is the kantrowitz article?

 

[xchocoholic]

Lol. It was the first link on the google search I did. It was 4 am here so that was as far as I got but there were plenty of good links on google search for your question.

Maybe this will work ...

www.kantrowitz.com/cancerpoints/tumormarkerfalsepositives.html

Granted this article focused on tumor markers but it was fascinating to me.

 

[Avengers26]

lol, ok. I did google first before i posted here but i missed this article. thank you.