Your blood absorbs most of what is put into your body, including sugar, protein, and fats. Because of this, fasting before a blood test is usually recommended. Keep reading to learn more about preparing for a blood test and why fasting can be important.
You’re Getting a Blood Test. Now What?
There are many reasons why you may need to get your blood tested. Some of these reasons include a doctor’s recommendation to review your overall health, a personal decision you’ve made if you have family members who suffer from a chronic disease, or, if you are under the care of a specialist, to test the effectiveness of a medication you may be taking.
There are several other reasons for blood tests as well, and that they’re nothing to be afraid of — blood tests are a routine way to find out what’s happening in your body.
You do not need to prepare for certain kinds of blood tests. For instance, when the blood test has been scheduled to analyze what your blood is like under normal conditions. However, for many blood tests, fasting is required. The fasting time can vary from test to test, but it’s usually between 8-12 hours.
Fasting means that you should not eat or drink anything other than water for the required amount of time requested. Blood tests that require fasting are usually scheduled early in the morning, so that fasting can be done overnight. Fasting, even for short periods of time, can bring on feelings of anxiety or stress, but understanding why fasting is required and when and how to go about it can lessen the worry surrounding it.
Why You Need to Fast Before Most Blood Tests
Nutrients in foods and drinks go into your bloodstream and can skew the results of the factors measured by the blood test. When you fast, healthcare professionals can get a baseline result so that future blood test results can be compared to measure your blood over time. Once your test is complete, you can eat or drink as normal.
If you do not fast before a blood test that requires fasting, an incorrect diagnosis could be the result. Blood tests that typically require fasting include diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, high cholesterol, and liver disease.
In addition to food and drink, here are some additional substances you should avoid consuming before a blood test.
Things to Avoid Before a Fasted Blood Test
Obviously, food and drinks (except water) need to be avoided while fasting. But there are some other things to avoid as well to receive the most accurate results. Things to avoid include:
Alcohol: Alcohol can affect blood sugar and fat levels. If you’re being asked to fast before a blood test, alcohol should also be abstained from. If you begin fasting 12 hours before the test, alcohol will most likely be metabolized before your test, as long as you keep it to a drink or two. When in doubt, leave it out.
Exercise: A workout before a fasting blood test can alter the results of cholesterol and glucose in your blood. This is one of the times in your life when you’ll be told “Do not exercise.” For the most accurate blood test results, your blood should be drawn when you’re rested.
Smoking: If you’ve been asked to fast for a blood test, you should refrain from smoking as well. Higher nicotine levels in the blood can skew the results of the blood test.
Certain Medications: Always discuss what medications you are taking with your healthcare provider before getting a blood test. Mentioning this to the person taking your blood is also a good idea so that they can note it in your file. Some medications, vitamins, and supplements can affect the results of a blood test.
There are some things you can do in order to make your blood test, and the results, as accurate as possible.
Things You Should Do Before a Fasted Blood Test
Preparing for your blood test the day before, and the morning of, will make the process run efficiently, put you at ease, and gather the most accurate results possible.
Drink Water: Don’t skimp on drinking water the day before, and the morning of your blood test. Your blood is 50% water, so hydrating does not affect the results of a fasted blood test. In fact, being hydrated keeps more fluid in your veins, making the blood draw easier.
Get Some Sleep: Try to sleep well the night before your test. Being well-rested makes your veins easier to access during a blood draw.
Short Sleeves: Wear short sleeves so that accessing your arm and vein are easier. This will ensure you’re comfortable during the blood draw as well.
Relax: Tensing your muscles before a blood draw can make the draw more painful, and can make it difficult to find a vein. Take some slow, deep breaths to calm yourself before the draw.
Following these tips of what and what not to do before a fasted blood test should help garner the most accurate results.
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