Table of contents:
- Types of tests that must be fast before blood checks
- 1. Check blood sugar
- 2. Cholesterol test
- 3. Test iron levels
- 4. Liver function test (liver)
Blood test is a medical examination method that is very accurate to find out the condition of our health. However, blood checks cannot be done carelessly. Most technicians and doctors at the hospital will advise us to fast before having a blood check.
Types of tests that must be fast before blood checks
1. Check blood sugar
Checking your blood sugar, especially the fasting blood sugar test (GDP test), requires you to fast from the previous 8-10 hours. This blood sugar test is usually done to detect your diabetes risk.
If you don't fast first, then the results won't be accurate. The reason is, blood sugar levels easily rise and fall when carbohydrates are entered from food or drinks.
2. Cholesterol test
Blood cholesterol test is also known as a lipid profile checking test. What is usually also checked in this test are:
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
This test requires you to fast for 9-12 hours before starting the check so that the results are completely accurate. The level of fat in the blood can increase immediately after eating. Therefore, fasting before this blood check is obligatory.
3. Test iron levels
This test is intended to see the amount of iron in the blood. Usually done to diagnose anemia.
Before doing this blood check, you must fast for about 8 hours. You will also be prohibited from taking iron supplements. Because the iron contained in some types of food can be absorbed very quickly into the blood.
So if you eat before the iron level test, the results may show iron levels that are higher than they should be.
4. Liver function test (liver)
Fasting before a blood check for a liver test is also mandatory. Because food intake can affect the end result.
Liver function tests are done to measure the amount of protein, liver enzymes, and also the level of bilirubin in the blood. This test is aimed at people with liver disease, to monitor the effect of the drug on liver conditions, and people with gallbladder disorders.
