Some blood tests require you to do fasting and the doctor will tell not to eat or drink, other than water before test. It is necessary to do fasting before certain blood tests as this ensures the test results are appropriate. Taking proteins, vitamins, fats, carbohydrates and minerals may impact the readings of your blood level. Blood tests you require to fast are:
- blood glucose test
- triglyceride level test
- cholesterol test
- basic metabolic panel
- low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level test
- high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level test
- lipoprotein panel
- liver function test
- renal function panel
If the doctor suggests new blood test or does not tell if or not you should fast, then you can ask whether fasting is necessary. Some tests like fecal occult blood test do not require doing fasting but restricts taking certain foods. Brocoli, red meats and certain medications can cause false positive test. You should follow the advice of your doctor at the time of conducting any blood test.
How long you should fast before a blood test
The time you require for fasting before your blood test will differ on the test. In case of most tests, you need not consume anything than water for eight hours till the test is performed. But for few tests, a 12-hour fasting might be needed.
Can you drink coffee when you fast before a blood test?
Coffee may interfere with your blood test result when you drink it black. It has soluble plant and caffeine which might interfere with the test results. Besides, coffee is diuretic and it increases your peeing. This may cause dehydration and the less hydrated you may be, the harder it is for the medical practitioner to search for a vein when conducting blood test. This makes it difficult for you to perform a blood test.
Can you drink alcohol when fasting before a blood test?
Somfbe blood tests which are related to triglyceride levels or liver health, may require not drinking alcohol for 24 hours. You need to trace the amount of alcohol which remains in the bloodstream for several days. If you are having any concerns about taking alcohol, then you should discuss it with the doctor at the time of scheduling your test. Ask the doctor if you are addicting to smoking whether you should stop it during fast.
Is it possible to drink water before conducting a blood test?
You can drink water before a blood test, unless the doctor asks you not to have it. This can be different from other surgical methods which require having an empty stomach.
What should you do when your kid should fast before a blood test?
Like the adults, kids should perform blood tests which require fasting beforehand. You can talk to your child’s pediatrician and ask how long your kid should not eat and drink before the test.
Some tips to follow before your kid’s blood test
- Schedule the blood test of your kid at the early hour in the morning
- Make your child feel distracted the hour before the test
- Give your kid a snack once the test is over.
- If they can sneak a snack, it is better to reschedule the appointment than getting incorrect readings.
What should you know about fasting before a blood test during pregnancy?
You will have to perform several blood tests at the time of pregnancy.They can help to evaluate probable health concerns that you or your baby might face during pregnancy or after giving birth to your kid. Some of these tests require to do fasting and the doctor will give advice on how you need to prepare for each blood test.
Fasting is safe when you are pregnant with good health condition. It does not mean high-risk pregnancy. The doctor will advise you to drink more water and stay indoors when it is hot outside for utmost comfort.
Fasting can enhance heartburn for pregnant women and when you face any concerns for health when drawing blood, inform the doctor about it. Thus, you need to visit a doctor and know everything about pregnancy before performing blood test.
You can go here to get more information for conducting a blood test.
