How can time of the day can affect the laboratory test?
The time of day can affect certain laboratory tests due to the natural fluctuations in our body's biology and hormone levels throughout the day. For example, cortisol levels are typically highest in the morning and decrease throughout the day, so a blood test for cortisol levels may yield different results depending on the time it is taken. Similarly, blood sugar levels can be affected by the timing of meals and physical activity, so fasting glucose tests are typically done in the morning after an overnight fast.
It is important to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory when preparing for a test to ensure accurate results. Additionally, if a test needs to be repeated at a different time of day, it is important to note this when comparing results to monitor changes over time.