Fasting

Why is fasting important? Some laboratory tests require “fasting” to obtain accurate results. You will need to fast for tests/panels which include fats/lipids & cardiac profiles.

How long do I need to fast? In general, you should abstain from eating foods after midnight the night prior to your lab testing. Please hold-off on taking prescription medications or supplements the morning of your test.

DO:

• Drink plenty of water the night before and the morning of your blood draw

DO NOT:

• Eat any food after midnight
• Drink any beverage except for water
• Chew gum
• Exercise strenuously during your fasting period
• Smoke

Coffee – Caffeine in coffee or in other beverages can elevate your blood sugars temporarily.

Exercise – Can raise your cholesterol and can alter your blood sugar levels

Smoking – Can raise your LDL (low-density lipoprotein ) and blood sugar levels

Gum – Fasting means no calories. Sugar-free gum may contain some calories and can raise your blood- sugar. Gum also stimulates the digestive tract which may alter test results.

Accidentally ate/drank something – Let us know right away. We may need to reschedule your lab for another day in order to get accurate results.