Why do I need to fast before my blood test?If your health care provider has told you to fast before a blood test, it means you should not eat or drink anything, except water, for several hours before your test. When you eat and drink normally, those foods and beverages are absorbed into your bloodstream. That could affect the results of certain types of blood tests. Show
What types of blood tests require fasting?The most common types of tests that require fasting include:
Glucose tests are used to diagnose diabetes.
How long do I have to fast before the test?You usually need to fast for 8–12 hours before a test. Most tests that require fasting are scheduled for early in the morning. That way, most of your fasting time will be overnight. Can I drink anything besides water during a fast?No. Juice, coffee, soda, and other beverages can get in your bloodstream and affect your results. In addition, you should not:
These activities can also affect your results. But you can drink water. It's actually good to drink water before a blood test. It helps keep more fluid in your veins, which can make it easier to draw blood. Can I continue taking medicine during a fast?Ask your health care provider. Most of the time it's OK to take your usual medicines, but you may need to avoid certain medicines, especially if they need to be taken with food. What if I make a mistake and have something to eat or drink besides water during my fast?Tell your health care provider before your test. He or she can reschedule the test for another time when you are able to complete your fast. When can I eat and drink normally again?As soon as your test is over. You may want to bring a snack with you, so you can eat right away. Is there anything else I need to know about fasting before a blood test?Be sure to talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about fasting. You should talk to your provider before taking any lab test. Most tests don't require fasting or other special preparations. For others, you may need to avoid certain foods, medicines, or activities. Taking the right steps before testing helps ensure your results will be accurate. References
Will drinking water affect cholesterol test?In cases where a doctor does recommend fasting before a cholesterol test, this often means that the person must refrain from all food and drink except water for 9–12 hours before the test.
Can I drink water before checking cholesterol?You're generally required to fast, consuming no food or liquids other than water, for nine to 12 hours before the test. Some cholesterol tests don't require fasting, so follow your doctor's instructions.
Can you drink water before fasting lipid panel?In most cases, you need to fast for 10 to12 hours before your lipid panel blood test. Fasting means not eating or drinking anything except water.
What can throw off a cholesterol test?Improper fasting, medications, human error, and a variety of other factors can cause your test to produce false negative or false positive results. Testing both your HDL and LDL levels typically produces more accurate results than checking your LDL alone.
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