The fasting blood test requires that you refrain from eating and drinking for some time before the blood test.

The duration of fasting is different for different types of blood tests... In general, this period varies between 8 and 12 hours.

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Fasting blood test

Fasting allows the doctor to more accurately measure blood test results that are affected by eating, such as blood sugar or cholesterol levels.

If you have accidentally eaten before the fasting blood test, you should immediately inform the medical personnel so that the interpretation of the results is not misinterpreted.

In some cases, you may still be able to have the blood test, but in other cases you may need to postpone it to another day.

Let's explore why fasting is necessary for some tests, what types of tests require fasting, and what can be done to make the process easier.

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Below are some types of tests that require fasting, at least under certain circumstances:

• blood sugar test
Blood cholesterol test Triglyceride level test
• Serum iron test
Vitamin B12 test
• vitamin B complex test
• Renal function panel
Gamma glutamyl transferase assay

How long fasting before blood test Is it necessary?

The duration of fasting depends on the type of test. The doctor will tell you how long you should refrain from eating.

• Blood sugar test: Fasting blood sugar test usually requires an overnight fast, which lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
• Blood Cholesterol Test: Some types of cholesterol tests do not require fasting. Some of them, such as the direct LDL cholesterol test, may require fasting for up to 14 hours.
• Triglyceride level test: You probably won't need to fast for a triglyceride test, but in some situations you may need to fast for 12 hours.
• Serum iron test: You may be asked to fast for 12 hours and refrain from taking iron supplements for 24 hours before this test.
• Vitamin B12 tests: It is usually not necessary to fast before the vitamin B12 test....In some circumstances the doctor may recommend about 6 to 8 hours of fasting.
• Vitamin B complex test: A blood test that checks all your B vitamins, usually after an overnight fast.
• Kidney function panel: You may be told not to eat anything for 8 to 12 hours before the kidney function test.
Gamma glutamyl transferase test: Your doctor may tell you to fast overnight and avoid alcohol for 24 hours..

If you eat something, then what should do Done?

If you eat something, the blood test may give false results.... You can contact your doctor to see if the test is still possible.

Some blood tests may be analyzed even if you are not fasting... Honesty is important for your results to be interpreted correctly.... Some tests may need to be rescheduled.

Symptoms that might a fastingblood test is required. Prescribe fasting... Just three examples of these are diabetes, high cholesterol, or low iron.

The following early symptoms may indicate that you have one of the following:

• Extreme thirst
• Slow wound healing
• blurred vision
• Fatigue
Urinary frequency
• Pale skin
Brittle nails
• Headache
• Vertigo

can be done before any test blood Eat food ?

Many types of blood tests do not require fasting. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you should fast and how long you should avoid eating.

The following tips may help make fasting for blood tests easier:

• Drink water... Drinking plenty of water before the fasting blood test makes it easier to find your blood vessels.
• Do the blood test in the morning.... If your blood test is in the morning, you probably only need to skip one meal.
• Eat before the fast....Eating just before the start of the fast will reduce the time you feel hungry....For example, if your blood test is at 9am and you have to fast for 12 hours, eat your last meal the night before around 8:30pm.
• Avoid exercising on an empty stomach... Exercise accelerates food digestion and makes you burn extra calories.
• Enjoy yourself.... Being busy helps you take your mind off hunger.

When Can Eat Again Or Do you want a drink?

You can eat and drink right after the blood test.. You will probably be hungry after fasting, so you may want to have a snack right after the test.

Final speech

Some types of blood tests require you to fast in order for your healthcare provider to get an accurate reading.

If you ate during the fasting period, you should let your doctor know so he can decide whether to repeat the blood test.... In some cases, you may still be able to get the blood test at the scheduled time.... Do you have a medical question?....Ask online.

Source: Healthline

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