How long must I fast before taking a blood test?
Doctors would like you to fast 8-12 hours before a blood test for accurate readings. For a blood glucose test, fast 8 hours and for a cholesterol blood test (testing for triglycerides) you need to fast for 12 hours.
When you eat food, it takes the body some time to process it and travel through the blood stream. If you take a blood test immediately after eating food, your blood sugars and blood fats will be much higher. Food contaminates blood readings and makes it hard for doctors to obtain a clear sample and diagnose ailments clearly.
Tests that you are generally asked to fast for include lipid panel, glucose levels, metabolic panels, cholesterol or HDL.
It is best to schedule your appointment to get blood drawn in the morning so you just have to make sure not to eat overnight.
While fasting, drink plenty of water, don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or chew gum. They can all create inaccuracies with your blood test.
Be efficient. There is no reason to not follow the doctor’s orders. Blood tests can detect diseases like high cholesterol and diabetes early and prevent harsh consequences. If you follow the doctor’s instructions, you will get accurate readings and an accurate picture of your health.
