Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

What should a patient avoid ingesting prior to the collection of a focal blood sample?

1. Sodium

2. Red meat

3. Excessive vitamin C

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Red meat

When preparing for a focal blood sample collection, it is important for patients to avoid specific dietary items that could potentially interfere with the test results. Among these, red meat is particularly significant. The consumption of red meat can affect levels of certain analytes, such as those involved in lipid profiles and other metabolic assessments. This is due to the high protein and fat content in red meat, which can lead to transient elevation of certain markers in the blood. Sodium is generally a component of most diets, but in typical amounts, it does not usually require specific avoidance prior to blood sampling unless specified by a healthcare professional based on the test being performed. Excessive vitamin C may also alter results for specific tests, particularly those measuring glucose levels. However, the primary concern with dietary impacts prior to a focal blood sample often centers around the significant effects of red meat on various metabolic markers. In light of this information, avoiding red meat is a focused recommendation that aligns with ensuring the accuracy and reliability of blood test results.