Antibiotics, a category of medicines designed to fight bacterial infections, can certainly affect the outcomes of blood exams. This affect stems from a number of components, together with the drug’s direct impact on blood cells, its impression on organ operate (notably the liver and kidneys), and alterations to the intestine microbiome, which may not directly have an effect on nutrient absorption and metabolite ranges detectable in blood samples. For instance, sure antibiotics may trigger a short lived elevation in liver enzyme ranges, which might be mirrored in liver operate exams.
Understanding the potential impression of those drugs on laboratory values is essential for correct analysis and remedy monitoring. The presence of those medicine within the system can masks or mimic different underlying circumstances, resulting in misinterpretations if not correctly accounted for. Healthcare suppliers should pay attention to a sufferers antibiotic utilization when deciphering blood take a look at outcomes to keep away from pointless interventions or delayed diagnoses. Traditionally, the attention of drug-induced alterations in lab values has grown alongside the growing use of prescribed drugs and the event of extra refined diagnostic testing. This consciousness has led to extra complete affected person histories and cautious consideration of treatment lists throughout take a look at interpretation.
The next sections will delve into particular examples of how completely different lessons of antibiotics can alter numerous blood take a look at parameters, offering a extra detailed understanding of this interplay. The dialogue will tackle widespread eventualities encountered in medical follow and provide steerage on the way to interpret ends in the context of latest or ongoing antibiotic remedy.
1. Liver enzymes
The connection between antibiotics and liver enzyme ranges, an important part of blood exams, warrants cautious consideration. Sure antibiotics are hepatotoxic, that means they’ll trigger damage to the liver. This damage can manifest as elevated ranges of liver enzymes, resembling alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), that are launched into the bloodstream when liver cells are broken. The diploma of elevation can differ relying on the particular antibiotic, the dosage, the period of remedy, and the person affected person’s susceptibility. As an illustration, amoxicillin-clavulanate, a generally prescribed antibiotic mixture, is understood to often induce drug-induced liver damage, resulting in important will increase in ALT and AST. The presence of elevated liver enzymes have to be interpreted cautiously, because it may very well be indicative of an underlying liver situation, a response to the antibiotic, or a mix of each.
The significance of monitoring liver enzymes throughout antibiotic remedy is twofold. First, it permits for the early detection of drug-induced liver damage, enabling well timed intervention, resembling discontinuing the offending antibiotic or initiating supportive care. Second, it helps to distinguish antibiotic-induced liver enzyme elevations from different potential causes of liver harm, resembling viral hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver illness. Differentiating requires a radical affected person historical past, bodily examination, and probably further diagnostic exams. In sensible phrases, a affected person presenting with jaundice and elevated liver enzymes whereas taking an antibiotic would require an in depth analysis to find out the etiology of the liver damage. Liver enzymes are important in assessing if antibiotics have an effect on blood take a look at outcomes.
In abstract, the potential for antibiotics to have an effect on liver enzyme ranges necessitates cautious monitoring and interpretation of blood exams in sufferers present process antibiotic remedy. Failure to acknowledge this affiliation can result in misdiagnosis and inappropriate remedy choices. Consciousness of the particular antibiotics related to hepatotoxicity and vigilant monitoring of liver enzyme ranges are important for making certain affected person security and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. It additionally requires a extra cautious treatment historical past taking from clinicians.
2. Kidney operate
Renal operate, assessed by blood exams, is intrinsically linked to antibiotic utilization. Sure antibiotics exhibit nephrotoxic potential, that means they’ll straight harm the kidneys. This harm impacts blood take a look at parameters, resembling creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ranges, that are used to evaluate kidney operate. An elevation in these markers can signify antibiotic-induced kidney damage. As an illustration, aminoglycosides, a category of antibiotics, are identified for his or her nephrotoxic results. The usage of aminoglycosides in sufferers, notably these with pre-existing renal impairment or dehydration, can result in a decline in kidney operate, mirrored by elevated creatinine and BUN. Understanding the impression of antibiotics on kidney operate is significant for deciphering blood take a look at outcomes precisely and stopping additional renal harm.
The evaluation of kidney operate throughout antibiotic remedy entails cautious monitoring of serum creatinine and BUN ranges. A rising development in these markers necessitates investigation into potential causes, together with drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Dose changes of antibiotics, notably these with renal excretion, could also be required based mostly on estimated glomerular filtration price (eGFR), which is calculated utilizing serum creatinine. Moreover, clinicians should think about different potential causes of kidney dysfunction, resembling dehydration, coronary heart failure, or concurrent nephrotoxic drugs. Differentiating between antibiotic-induced kidney damage and different etiologies requires a complete medical analysis, together with a radical treatment historical past and consideration of different laboratory findings.
In abstract, the impression of antibiotics on kidney operate, as mirrored in blood exams, requires diligent monitoring and cautious interpretation. Nephrotoxic antibiotics can elevate creatinine and BUN ranges, probably resulting in acute kidney damage. Early detection and administration of antibiotic-induced nephrotoxicity are essential for preserving renal operate and optimizing affected person outcomes. This connection highlights the significance of integrating antibiotic use into the differential analysis when deciphering blood take a look at outcomes indicative of kidney dysfunction.
3. Blood cell counts
The affect of antibiotics on blood cell counts, a basic facet of full blood rely (CBC) evaluation, warrants detailed examination. Antibiotics can alter the numbers and traits of assorted blood cells, impacting diagnostic interpretations. These results are notably essential to contemplate when evaluating sufferers on antibiotic remedy.
-
Neutropenia
Sure antibiotics can induce neutropenia, a situation characterised by a decreased variety of neutrophils, a sort of white blood cell essential for combating bacterial infections. For instance, beta-lactam antibiotics, resembling penicillins and cephalosporins, have been related to neutropenia in some people. Extreme neutropenia will increase the danger of an infection and necessitates cautious monitoring and potential discontinuation of the offending antibiotic. It is essential to differentiate antibiotic-induced neutropenia from neutropenia brought on by underlying circumstances or different drugs. Scientific administration entails monitoring absolute neutrophil rely (ANC) and implementing an infection management measures.
-
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia, a discount in platelet rely, is one other hematological abnormality linked to antibiotic use. Platelets are important for blood clotting, and their deficiency can result in elevated bleeding threat. Antibiotics resembling trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and vancomycin have been implicated in inflicting thrombocytopenia. Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (DITP) is a mechanism the place the antibiotic triggers an immune response that destroys platelets. Monitoring platelet counts throughout antibiotic remedy is essential, particularly in sufferers with pre-existing bleeding problems or these receiving different drugs that have an effect on coagulation.
-
Anemia
Anemia, a situation characterised by a deficiency of pink blood cells or hemoglobin, can be related to antibiotic use, though much less generally than neutropenia or thrombocytopenia. Antibiotics like cephalosporins can typically trigger hemolytic anemia, the place pink blood cells are prematurely destroyed. One other mechanism is bone marrow suppression, which may impair pink blood cell manufacturing. Monitoring hemoglobin ranges and pink blood cell indices (e.g., MCV, MCH) can assist detect antibiotic-induced anemia. Analysis entails investigating different potential causes of anemia, resembling iron deficiency or power illness.
-
Eosinophilia
Eosinophilia, an elevation in eosinophil rely, may be related to some antibiotic allergic reactions, or sometimes be drug-induced no matter allergic response. Whereas not all the time clinically important, it might point out a hypersensitivity response. Medicines like penicillins and cephalosporins are incessantly concerned. This enhance happens as a part of the immune response in opposition to the drug or in response to irritation or allergic reactions. This may be essential in differentiating the reason for an an infection if different causes may be dominated out.
In abstract, antibiotics can exert a noticeable impression on blood cell counts, resulting in circumstances like neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and eosinophilia. Recognizing these potential results is crucial for precisely deciphering CBC outcomes and distinguishing antibiotic-induced abnormalities from these brought on by underlying illness processes. Vigilant monitoring of blood cell counts is essential in sufferers present process antibiotic remedy to make sure well timed intervention and optimum affected person outcomes.
4. Electrolyte stability
Electrolyte stability, essential for sustaining physiological capabilities, may be affected by antibiotic administration, thus influencing blood take a look at outcomes. Sure antibiotics can disrupt regular electrolyte homeostasis, resulting in clinically important imbalances detectable in serum electrolyte panels. These disturbances stem from numerous mechanisms, together with direct results on renal tubular operate, oblique results through gastrointestinal disturbances, or induction of hormonal imbalances influencing electrolyte regulation. For instance, amphotericin B, an antifungal antibiotic, is understood to trigger renal tubular harm, resulting in potassium and magnesium losing. This electrolyte derangement is mirrored in blood exams, exhibiting hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, which, if uncorrected, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weak spot. The monitoring of electrolytes in sufferers receiving amphotericin B is, subsequently, a important facet of affected person administration.
One other instance entails antibiotics that induce diarrhea, resembling clindamycin, incessantly related to Clostridioides difficile an infection. The resultant diarrheal sickness can result in important fluid and electrolyte losses, notably sodium and potassium. Blood exams in such instances might reveal hyponatremia and hypokalemia, reflecting the dehydration and electrolyte depletion brought on by extreme gastrointestinal losses. Correcting these electrolyte imbalances is paramount to stabilizing the affected person and stopping problems resembling seizures or cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, some antibiotics can intervene with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, resulting in alterations in sodium and potassium stability. These alterations are measurable through serum electrolyte ranges, underscoring the significance of contemplating antibiotic use when deciphering electrolyte panels.
In abstract, antibiotic remedy can considerably impression electrolyte stability, resulting in measurable adjustments in blood take a look at outcomes. These adjustments can vary from gentle imbalances to life-threatening derangements, emphasizing the necessity for vigilant monitoring of electrolytes, notably in sufferers receiving antibiotics identified to have an effect on renal operate or these liable to gastrointestinal disturbances. Recognizing and addressing these antibiotic-induced electrolyte imbalances is crucial for optimizing affected person outcomes and stopping antagonistic sequelae.
5. Inflammatory markers
The connection between antibiotics, inflammatory markers, and blood exams is complicated and clinically important. Whereas antibiotics primarily goal bacterial infections, their administration and the physique’s response to an infection can affect the degrees of assorted inflammatory markers detectable in blood samples. These markers, resembling C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation price (ESR), and procalcitonin, are incessantly used to evaluate the presence and severity of irritation. Antibiotics can have an effect on inflammatory marker ranges each straight and not directly. As an illustration, the initiation of antibiotic remedy might initially trigger a transient enhance in inflammatory markers attributable to bacterial lysis and the discharge of inflammatory mediators. Subsequently, profitable antibiotic remedy results in a discount in bacterial load and a corresponding lower in these markers because the an infection resolves.
The interpretation of inflammatory markers throughout antibiotic remedy necessitates cautious consideration of a number of components. A persistent elevation in inflammatory markers regardless of antibiotic remedy might point out antibiotic resistance, remedy failure, or the presence of a non-bacterial supply of irritation. Conversely, a speedy decline in these markers might signify a optimistic response to remedy. Procalcitonin is usually used to information antibiotic remedy choices; a lower in procalcitonin ranges can assist antibiotic de-escalation or discontinuation. Nevertheless, sure antibiotics can affect inflammatory marker manufacturing independently of their antibacterial results. For instance, some antibiotics possess immunomodulatory properties that will alter cytokine manufacturing and, consequently, have an effect on inflammatory marker ranges. This phenomenon can complicate the interpretation of blood take a look at outcomes and requires a nuanced understanding of the interaction between antibiotics, an infection, and irritation.
In abstract, antibiotic administration can affect inflammatory marker ranges in blood exams, reflecting each the physique’s response to an infection and the direct results of the antibiotics themselves. Monitoring inflammatory markers throughout antibiotic remedy aids in assessing remedy response and figuring out potential problems. Nevertheless, interpretation should think about the complicated interaction between antibiotic results, the character of the an infection, and particular person affected person components to make sure correct medical decision-making. Recognizing these interactions is crucial for optimizing antibiotic use and enhancing affected person outcomes.
6. Coagulation components
The consequences of antibiotics on coagulation components, measured through blood exams, are a important consideration in affected person administration. Sure antibiotics can affect the synthesis or operate of those components, resulting in alterations in coagulation profiles. This impression can lead to both an elevated threat of bleeding or, much less generally, a prothrombotic state. Antibiotic-induced adjustments in coagulation components are notably related in sufferers with pre-existing coagulation problems, these present process surgical procedure, or people receiving anticoagulant remedy. The mechanisms by which antibiotics have an effect on coagulation are assorted and depend upon the particular agent concerned.
As an illustration, some antibiotics, notably sure cephalosporins, can intervene with vitamin Okay metabolism. Vitamin Okay is crucial for the synthesis of a number of coagulation components, together with components II (prothrombin), VII, IX, and X. By disrupting vitamin Okay utilization, these antibiotics can result in a lower within the ranges of purposeful coagulation components, prolonging prothrombin time (PT) and worldwide normalized ratio (INR). This impact is clinically important in sufferers on warfarin, as it will possibly potentiate the anticoagulant impact of the drug, growing the danger of bleeding. Conversely, different antibiotics can not directly have an effect on coagulation by altering the intestine microbiome. The intestine flora contributes to vitamin Okay manufacturing; disruption of this flora by broad-spectrum antibiotics can scale back vitamin Okay synthesis and, subsequently, have an effect on coagulation components. Moreover, some antibiotics can induce immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, lowering platelet counts and contributing to a bleeding diathesis. Sensible implications embody the necessity for cautious monitoring of coagulation parameters, resembling PT/INR and platelet rely, in sufferers receiving antibiotics identified to have an effect on coagulation, particularly in these at elevated threat of bleeding or thrombosis.
In abstract, antibiotics can affect coagulation components, altering coagulation profiles and probably growing the danger of bleeding or thrombosis. The mechanisms concerned embody interference with vitamin Okay metabolism, disruption of the intestine microbiome, and immune-mediated results on platelets. Cautious monitoring of coagulation parameters is crucial in sufferers receiving antibiotics, notably these at elevated threat of coagulation abnormalities, to make sure well timed intervention and stop antagonistic occasions. The understanding of how antibiotics have an effect on these blood take a look at outcomes is crucial in prescribing and monitoring sufferers on these drugs.
7. Microbiome alteration
Antibiotics, whereas concentrating on pathogenic micro organism, additionally induce collateral harm on the host’s microbiome, a fancy ecosystem of microorganisms residing primarily within the intestine. This alteration has downstream results that may manifest in blood take a look at abnormalities. The disruption of the microbiome’s delicate stability results in decreased microbial range, adjustments in metabolic exercise, and overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens. Consequently, blood take a look at outcomes can replicate these adjustments in numerous methods. For instance, the intestine microbiome performs an important position in synthesizing sure nutritional vitamins, resembling vitamin Okay. Broad-spectrum antibiotic use can suppress vitamin Okay-producing micro organism, resulting in vitamin Okay deficiency, which in flip prolongs prothrombin time (PT) and elevates the worldwide normalized ratio (INR), as detected in coagulation exams. This connection demonstrates how microbiome alteration straight influences blood take a look at parameters associated to coagulation. A sensible instance entails sufferers on long-term antibiotics who exhibit unexplained bleeding tendencies alongside elevated PT/INR, suggesting the necessity to consider vitamin Okay standing and think about supplementation.
Additional, the altered microbiome can impression immune operate and systemic irritation, that are additionally detectable through blood exams. The disruption of intestine microbial stability can result in elevated intestinal permeability (“leaky intestine”), permitting bacterial merchandise and inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream. This translocation triggers systemic irritation, elevating inflammatory markers resembling C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation price (ESR). Moreover, the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens like Clostridioides difficile following antibiotic use may cause extreme colitis, leading to elevated white blood cell counts and inflammatory markers, reflecting the physique’s response to an infection and irritation. The interaction between microbiome alteration and blood take a look at outcomes extends past coagulation and irritation. Adjustments in intestine microbial metabolism can have an effect on the absorption and metabolism of medicine, together with antibiotics themselves, probably influencing their serum concentrations and therapeutic efficacy.
In abstract, microbiome alteration brought on by antibiotics represents a big mechanism by which these medicine can affect blood take a look at outcomes. The disruption of intestine microbial stability can have an effect on vitamin synthesis, immune operate, systemic irritation, and drug metabolism, all of which have measurable penalties on blood take a look at parameters. Clinicians have to be cognizant of this interaction when deciphering blood take a look at ends in sufferers on antibiotic remedy, notably these with extended antibiotic programs or pre-existing circumstances affecting the intestine microbiome. This understanding facilitates extra correct diagnoses and acceptable administration methods, together with the potential use of probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation to revive intestine microbial stability and mitigate the antagonistic results of antibiotic-induced microbiome alteration.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the affect of antibiotics on blood take a look at outcomes, offering readability on potential interactions and implications for affected person care.
Query 1: Can antibiotics alter liver operate take a look at outcomes?
Sure, sure antibiotics are identified to trigger drug-induced liver damage, leading to elevated liver enzyme ranges (ALT, AST) detectable in liver operate exams. The diploma of elevation varies relying on the particular antibiotic, dosage, and particular person affected person components. Monitoring liver operate is prudent throughout antibiotic remedy, particularly with brokers identified to have hepatotoxic potential.
Query 2: Do antibiotics impression kidney operate as assessed by blood exams?
Certainly, some antibiotics possess nephrotoxic properties and may impair kidney operate. This impairment is mirrored in elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ranges. Sufferers with pre-existing renal dysfunction are at heightened threat. Common monitoring of renal operate throughout antibiotic remedy is crucial, and dose changes could also be crucial for renally excreted antibiotics.
Query 3: Can antibiotics affect full blood rely (CBC) parameters?
Sure, antibiotics can have an effect on numerous CBC parameters. Neutropenia (decreased neutrophil rely), thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet rely), and, much less incessantly, anemia (decreased pink blood cell rely) can happen as antagonistic results of sure antibiotics. Vigilant monitoring of CBC is essential, particularly with extended antibiotic programs.
Query 4: Are electrolyte imbalances linked to antibiotic use?
Sure, sure antibiotics can disrupt electrolyte stability, resulting in hyponatremia (low sodium), hypokalemia (low potassium), or hypomagnesemia (low magnesium). This disruption might end result from direct results on renal tubular operate or oblique results through gastrointestinal disturbances. Monitoring serum electrolytes is advisable throughout antibiotic remedy, notably in sufferers receiving diuretics or with underlying electrolyte problems.
Query 5: Do antibiotics have an effect on inflammatory markers like CRP or ESR?
Antibiotic administration and the physique’s response to an infection can affect inflammatory marker ranges. Profitable antibiotic remedy usually results in a lower in these markers because the an infection resolves. Nevertheless, a persistent elevation might point out remedy failure or a non-bacterial supply of irritation. Monitoring inflammatory markers aids in assessing remedy response.
Query 6: How do antibiotics have an effect on coagulation exams like PT/INR?
Some antibiotics, notably sure cephalosporins and broad-spectrum brokers affecting the intestine microbiome, can intervene with vitamin Okay metabolism, important for the synthesis of coagulation components. This interference can extend prothrombin time (PT) and elevate the worldwide normalized ratio (INR), probably growing the danger of bleeding. Monitoring coagulation parameters is crucial, particularly in sufferers on anticoagulant remedy.
In abstract, antibiotic use can have multifaceted results on blood take a look at outcomes, influencing liver operate, kidney operate, blood cell counts, electrolyte stability, inflammatory markers, and coagulation parameters. Consciousness of those potential interactions is essential for correct interpretation of blood exams and optimum affected person administration.
The following sections will provide sensible steerage for clinicians on deciphering blood take a look at ends in the context of antibiotic use, offering methods for differentiating drug-induced abnormalities from these brought on by underlying illness processes.
Deciphering Blood Assessments Throughout Antibiotic Remedy
The potential for antibiotics to affect laboratory values necessitates a cautious method to blood take a look at interpretation in sufferers present process remedy. Consciousness of those interactions is essential for correct analysis and acceptable medical decision-making.
Tip 1: Get hold of a Thorough Medicine Historical past. An entire treatment historical past, together with the title, dosage, and period of antibiotic remedy, is paramount. This info gives essential context for deciphering irregular blood take a look at outcomes and distinguishing drug-induced results from different potential etiologies. For instance, an elevated creatinine degree in a affected person receiving vancomycin ought to increase suspicion for antibiotic-induced nephrotoxicity.
Tip 2: Take into account the Timing of Blood Assessments. The timing of blood exams relative to antibiotic administration can affect the outcomes. Blood samples drawn shortly after initiating antibiotic remedy might replicate preliminary inflammatory responses or transient adjustments in laboratory values. Serial monitoring of blood exams at acceptable intervals permits for a extra correct evaluation of remedy response and potential antagonistic results.
Tip 3: Consider Liver and Kidney Perform. Antibiotics with identified hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic potential warrant shut monitoring of liver and kidney operate. Common evaluation of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and renal operate markers (creatinine, BUN) is crucial for early detection of drug-induced organ damage. Elevated liver enzymes or creatinine ranges ought to immediate additional investigation and potential dose changes or discontinuation of the antibiotic.
Tip 4: Assess Full Blood Depend (CBC) Parameters. Antibiotics can have an effect on numerous parts of the CBC, together with white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and hemoglobin ranges. Neutropenia or thrombocytopenia might happen as antagonistic results of sure antibiotics, necessitating shut monitoring and potential intervention. Anemia, whereas much less widespread, must also be thought of.
Tip 5: Consider Electrolyte Stability. Sure antibiotics can disrupt electrolyte stability, resulting in clinically important derangements. Monitoring serum electrolytes, notably sodium, potassium, and magnesium, is essential, particularly in sufferers with pre-existing electrolyte problems or these receiving diuretics. Correcting electrolyte imbalances is essential for stopping antagonistic outcomes.
Tip 6: Interpret Inflammatory Markers with Warning. Whereas inflammatory markers resembling CRP and ESR can present worthwhile details about the presence and severity of an infection, their interpretation throughout antibiotic remedy requires warning. Transient will increase in these markers might happen initially, adopted by a decline with profitable remedy. Persistent elevation regardless of antibiotic remedy might point out remedy failure or a non-bacterial supply of irritation.
Tip 7: Take into account the Influence on Coagulation. Antibiotics affecting vitamin Okay metabolism or the intestine microbiome can affect coagulation parameters. Monitoring PT/INR is crucial in sufferers receiving such antibiotics, notably these on anticoagulant remedy, to forestall bleeding problems.
Tip 8: Assess for C. difficile an infection. Antibiotics may cause disruption of the traditional intestine flora leading to C. difficile colitis. If sufferers on antibiotic remedy current with diarrhea, it is very important take a look at for C. difficile toxin and think about discontinuation of the antibiotics that triggered this an infection.
Cautious consideration of the following tips can improve the accuracy of blood take a look at interpretation throughout antibiotic remedy, resulting in extra knowledgeable medical choices and improved affected person outcomes. Understanding the impression of “can antibiotics have an effect on blood exams” is crucial.
The concluding part will synthesize key findings and supply a abstract of the implications for medical follow.
Conclusion
The previous dialogue has totally explored the multifaceted methods wherein antibiotics can have an effect on blood exams. It’s unequivocally established that antibiotic administration can considerably alter numerous hematological and biochemical parameters. The potential for skewed outcomes, starting from liver and kidney operate to electrolyte stability and coagulation profiles, necessitates heightened vigilance throughout antibiotic remedy. A complete understanding of the particular antibiotics, potential mechanisms of interference, and particular person affected person components is paramount for correct take a look at interpretation.
Given the widespread use of antibiotics and the reliance on blood exams for diagnostic and monitoring functions, it’s crucial that healthcare suppliers prioritize acquiring thorough treatment histories and punctiliously think about the timing of blood attracts. These proactive measures will support in differentiating drug-induced abnormalities from underlying illness processes, in the end resulting in improved affected person care and a extra considered use of antimicrobial brokers. Ongoing analysis and medical consciousness stay essential to additional refine the understanding of how “can antibiotics have an effect on blood exams” and to optimize methods for minimizing potential antagonistic penalties.