Is fasting required for all blood tests?
A. Fasting is not required for all tests. However, the following tests usually require fasting and/or going without certain types of food: • Post Prandial / Glucose Tolerance: Samples are taken at least 2 hours after food intake and the patient may also be advised on the type of food he/she is allowed to eat and the specific time for eating. • Faecal Occult Blood Test: Certain food and medication restrictions may be required. • Lipid Profile / Cholesterol: 12-14 hours of strict fasting is required, unless specified otherwise by the consulting doctor.
