Can a hangover skew blood test?

Yes, a hangover can affect blood test results. Alcohol consumption can cause dehydration, which can lead to changes in blood chemistry. For example, dehydration can cause an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Alcohol can also interfere with the metabolism of certain medications, which can also affect blood test results.

Additionally, alcohol consumption can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to an increase in certain inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). In some cases, alcohol consumption can also cause liver damage, which can lead to changes in liver enzyme levels.

It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you have recently consumed alcohol prior to having a blood test, as this information may be relevant to interpreting your results.