Fasting for Blood Work

If you are planning to go in for blood work, it is important that your blood stream is clean before you take the blood work. Fasting for blood work is therefore important. Depending upon, for what are you taking the blood work? the fasting and rules for fasting blood work will be determined. Instructions for fasting for blood work will are also dependent on the reasons for going in for a blood work. If you are getting blood testing done for cholesterol or diabetes fasting for blood work is necessary.

Instructions for Fasting for Blood Work - Triglyceride Levels
If you are getting your blood tested for triglyceride levels, here are the rules for the same. You will have to undertake a 12 hour fast before the blood test. In some cases the fasting period can also be up to 14 hours. Only water is permitted during the fasting period. Coffee is NOT allowed. To get the exact measurements of triglycerides in your blood, it is important that you fast overnight and then take the blood test next day in the morning. This is important as anything other than water can increase the triglycerides levels in your blood. In case you consume any food, it is possible that triglycerides levels can be higher in your blood and your physician, will have to prescribe drugs. Along with the above mentioned rules, you are not supposed to consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before your blood test. If you do take any kind of vitamin supplements, you should not have them at least 24 hours prior. You will have to consult with your physician, if you are consuming any kind of antihistamines, antibiotics or cortisone.

Fasting for Cholesterol Blood Work
Very often people ask " how long to fast before a blood work?". You will have to refer to your physician for the fasting period for blood work. The time frame can range anywhere from 6 to 12 hours before the blood test. One of the fasting requirements for blood work is that you make a note of what you have been consuming for about a week prior to your blood work. It is advisable to avoid red meat, eggs and any food with high cholesterol in it. This is, especially important if you are getting the blood work done for insurance. One of the rules for a fasting blood work, if a blood test was recommended by your doctor is that, do not make drastic changes to your diet. If you do so, your blood work report will not be accurate and the treatment meted might be inefficient. If you have been fasting and still your blood work report has a high cholesterol level in it, it means that you are at a high risk of high cholesterol, which can give rise to heart disease, blockages and heart attacks.

How Long to Fast for Blood Work – Glucose
When people are taking a blood test for glucose, the two most frequently asked questions are; "how long do you have to fast before blood work?" and "how to fast for blood work?". When you are going for blood work to measure blood sugar levels, you are required to fast for 12 hours before the blood test. It is always good to schedule your appointment in the morning, so that you can fast through the previous night and then go in for your blood tests in the morning. Make sure that you do not consume anything for 12 hours. For more information, refer to fasting blood glucose test.

Often people wonder "can you drink water when fasting for blood work?". To find an answer to this question, you will have to inquire at the lab where you are taking the test. Normally drinking water is permitted, as it does not have any kind of effect on the blood tests.

Along with all the instructions for fasting for blood work, I will recommend that you be honest to yourself and your doctor, when you take your blood test. If a 12 hour fasting for blood work is required, but you have fasted only for 8 hours as you have eaten something, it is important that you talk to the lab doctor, before you actually take the blood test.