Blood Drug Testing

Do all blood tests require fasting beforehand?

I have to go to the hospital on Monday for a series of tests, some of which are blood tests. I had some blood tests done about 3 months ago, so don't know if these will be the same or looking for something different. Anyway, this time neither my doctor or the letter from the hospital says anything about fasting before I come. So will it be ok for me to have breakfast that day?

Public Comments

1. No blood tests require you to fast!
2. yes you only need to fast when told to most bllod tests do not require fasting i have been in and out of hopsital for tests and not one i had to fast for so go for it enjoy your breakfast :] peace x
3. Not all blood tests require fasting (ones such as cholesterol do but simple full blood counts and clotting screens do not), but if you are unsure about which tests you are having then phone your GP and ask just to be on the safe side (to save you having to go back if they are fasting tests).
4. Some blood tests require you to fast, others do not. I've had both kinds. If your doctor did not mention needing to fast, you probably don't, but if you're in doubt, call your doctor's office to make sure. Don't forget to study for the test! ;o)
5. No, there are some e.g. fasting glucose fasting lipids etc. but most do not require patient to be fasted beforehand. Give them a ring to check beforehand, or just go fasted anyway how much hardship is that in the great scheme of things!
6. It depends on what kind of tests you will have on Monday. However, make it sure by checking out to your doctor & hospital staffs as well. Ask them in details, the purposes of your tests, what test will you have, etc.
7. I would say definitely have breakfast! If you don't your blood sugar will be very low and you could pass out having blood taken from you.
8. You only need to skip breakfast for a fasting lipid test - the one to check cholesterol
9. Every time i have had a test i was told ether not to have food or a beverage,tea OK but no milk or sugar,some blood tests you can eat and drink,for such as anaemia,thyroid, and a few others.To be on the safe side have black tea or coffee but no eating.
10. It depends on the test and why it's being carried out. If you are unsure the only way to be sure is to check with your Doctor or the Laboratory. Under no circumstances rely on the guesswork on a forum like this, at best you may be inconvenienced by having to have the test repeated at worst it could be interpretated incorrectly, Don't guess ask it's what we're here for.
11. It depends on what they're testing for. Usually, yes, you should fast for at least 8 hrs. If in doubt, call your doctor or pharmacist and ask.
12. Most blood tests do not require you to fast, but ones for testing for cholesterol or glucose do.
13. Not all blood tests. I got tested for mono and I didn't even think I had it before like- an hour before they drew the blood, and I had waffles that morning. No, if they say to not eat, don't eat. Don't screw up their tests wicked bad because then you'll get the wrong results and you could just make it worse.