Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before blood testing.
For repeat monitoring, patients should ideally undergo testing under consistent conditions, including a similar period of alcohol avoidance before each test.
Patients should disclose any significant alcohol consumption in the days preceding the blood test.
Where liver function or GGT is being assessed, a longer period of 48 hours without alcohol is preferable, particularly where an accurate baseline is required or previous results have been abnormal.
Alcohol consumption can transiently affect GGT and other liver enzymes and may therefore influence interpretation of the results.
Where a lipid profile is being assessed, a longer period of 48 hours without alcohol is preferable, particularly where an accurate baseline is required or previous results have been abnormal.
Alcohol consumption can transiently affect triglyceride levels and may therefore influence interpretation of the results.