Understanding the importance of fasting to ensure accurate blood test results.
Fasting ensures a 'baseline' blood state, free from food-induced fluctuations.
Eating before tests can skew glucose, cholesterol, and iron levels, affecting accuracy.
Glucose tests require 8–12 hours of fasting to avoid false diabetes diagnosis.
A fasting period of 9–12 hours is needed due to triglyceride sensitivity.
Iron tests demand overnight fasting to prevent falsely high readings.
Water is allowed—and encouraged—during fasting for hydration.
Stay away from coffee, tea, juices, and mints to ensure accuracy.
Most medications can be taken with water—confirm with your doctor.
Tests like CBC, thyroid panel, and HbA1c typically do not require fasting.
If you accidentally eat, reschedule the test to avoid flawed data.
After the test, break your fast with protein-rich, balanced foods.