Fast before labs?

[TMM 6]

I have to see a new GP tomorrow that I haven't seen before (change in insurance.) I have the letter from the surgeon with what they require including the lab tests. Did any of you have to fast before labs? My appt is at 8:00 a.m. and I am tempted not to eat just in case.

[Tobeornottobe 89]

I had to fast. I was told nothing for 12 hours before having blood drawn.

HTH

[jane13 2,256]

I would fast just to be safe. that way the BW can be done and not have to wait.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

If you were required to fast the instructions would have said so. I'd eat my regular meal.

[sbg224 318]

I would fast especially if they are checking cholesterol and or blood sugar, A1C. That seems early enough that you should be able to wait, otherwise if you eat it may delay things, just my opinion

[Dub 9,922]

All the lab work I've ever had required a state of fasting.

You did well to have an 8:00am session.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

Some blood tests require fasting, others don't. @@Dub is right about the early appointment. Since you don't know about each test on your order, fasting would be the safe thing. If you don't, you may have to return another day, fasted, for the blood draw.

There are tests I've been having for years and eons and never remember. I've never noticed an instruction on the order form either way. Some day I may write a reminder note to myself. If I'm fortunate, I'll know where to find it. I end up calling the lab the day before to ask. (None of my doctors draw, as I see them in their faculty practice offices; the outpatient lab is in the building.)

[Sajijoma 1,324]

Don't fast unless you are given the instructions to do so as you can actually screw up your results doing that. My surgeon only required a basic panel of tests and I didn't have to fast or pee in a cup so I was a happy camper.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Don't fast unless you are given the instructions to do so as you can actually screw up your results doing that. My surgeon only required a basic panel of tests and I didn't have to fast or pee in a cup so I was a happy camper.

Exactly which is why when they require fasting bloodwork they specifically say so. Otherwise they are just looking at what your baseline is and you can actually skew the results.