Could antibiotics affect the numbers on my blood test before my tummy tuck?

Thank you for your question regarding antibiotics and your upcoming blood tests. Antibiotics, including those used for treating H. Pylori, typically don’t have a direct effect on hemoglobin, PTT (partial thromboplastin time), PT (prothrombin time), or INR (international normalized ratio) levels. These tests primarily assess your blood’s clotting ability and your red blood cell levels, neither of which are generally influenced by antibiotics.

However, some antibiotics can occasionally impact the liver or kidney, which could indirectly influence clotting factors in rare cases. If you've had any recent changes in energy levels, appetite, or signs of gastrointestinal discomfort, it might be a good idea to mention this to your healthcare provider as they interpret your results. If you have any remaining concerns, your plastic surgeon or primary care physician may provide additional guidance.

In general, though, you should be able to proceed with confidence that your antibiotics will not impact these specific lab results significantly.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

No, antibioitics will not affect your red blood cells counts or how well your blood coagulates. However, your white count can be affected and usually is improved.

I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about the antibiotic course you are currently taking and the reason behind it. Your surgeon can then advise you about continuing with the planned preoperative labs. It is important that your surgeon is aware of all medications that you take including prescription, over the counter, and supplements.