NADF Wednesday Q&A. Q: What is the impact of an emergency 100mg hydrocortisone injection on blood test results if it is taken the day before or the day of blood tests? For background, I had to take an emergency injection due to ongoing severe chronic lower back pain. The following, day my GP ordered blood work. My HbA1c test, which reflects glucose levels over the previous two or three months came back indicating that I was pre diabetic. When the test was repeated three months later, it indicated that I am not prediabetic. My ferritin level was also low initially, but when repeated three months later it was normal. See next slide for answer. www.NADF.us
NADF Wednesday Q&A. See previous slide for question. A: The blood test for diabetes is HbA1c, which reflects the average blood glucose for the previous few weeks. However, it is more sensitive to the most recent fluctuations, so it is very likely that a sudden elevation of glucose caused by the 100 mg dose of hydrocortisone could bring the result into the prediabetic range. The follow up test in the normal range is reassuring. The ferritin level can also be affected by hydrocortisone, but sometimes it is elevated, sometimes suppressed. The important thing is that the doctor who ordered the tests should be informed about the prior injection of hydrocortisone so the results are not misinterpreted. It looks like that is what has happened here. Dr. Margulies, Medical Director of NADF. www.NADF.us
What impact does an emergency hydrocortisone injection have on blood test results? Dr. Margulies advises a patient who had varying results on their HbA1c test over the course of three months.
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