Salicylates Level
What Are Salicylates?
Salicylates are natural chemicals that are found in some fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Foods such as oranges, apricots, grapes, apples, bananas and dates are high in salicylates. Salicylates can also be found in many medications, including aspirin, which is why they are often referred to as “aspirin-like medications.”
Why Measure Salicylate Levels?
Salicylate levels are measured to see if a person has a reaction to a certain food or medication. The level of salicylates in the blood reflects the amount that has been absorbed by the body. It is not enough to merely look at a food label or medication list to accurately measure salicylate levels, as everyone reacts differently to different amounts.
Preparation
Before measuring salicylate levels, it is important to know what foods and medications you are taking. A healthcare practitioner will advise you to avoid high-salicylate foods for several days leading up to the test, in order to get more accurate results. It is also important to avoid taking any aspirin-like medications for up to two weeks before the test.
Procedure
The procedure for measuring salicylate levels in the blood is similar to that used for measuring other laboratory values. A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm and collected in a tube. The tube is then sent to a laboratory, where it is tested for salicylate levels.
Types
There are two main types of salicylates: free salicylates and total salicylates. Free salicylates are those that are not bound to proteins and can be directly absorbed by the body. Total salicylates include both free and bound salicylates, and give an overall picture of the amount of salicylates in the body.
Risks and Side Effects
Long-term exposure to high levels of salicylates can be dangerous. It is important to follow the instructions of your healthcare practitioner in order to ensure your safety. High levels of salicylates can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and dizziness. In rare cases, high levels of salicylates can cause seizures and liver damage.
When to Test?
Salicylate levels should be tested if you are experiencing symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or dizziness that might be related to a food or medication sensitivity. You may also be advised to test if you are taking an aspirin-like medication regularly, in order to ensure that the levels in your body are not too high.
Why Test?
Testing for salicylate levels can be important when trying to diagnose and treat a food or medication sensitivity. In addition, it can help determine if a person is taking too much of an aspirin-like medication, or if they are at risk for any of the side effects associated with high levels of salicylates.
