Why, yes, I have to fast before the blood test?

Before the blood test, the doctor usually asks you to come back the next day so you can fast first. Instead of going back and forth, why don't you just get the blood drawn? Why should you fast before a blood test?

The reason must be fasting before the blood test

The content in food and drink can affect the results of your blood test. Yes, when you eat and drink, the substances and ingredients in food are digested and absorbed into the blood vessels.

Usually, you need to fast before a blood test if you want to measure:

• Sugar level
• Mineral content, such as iron
• Cholesterol levels and other types of fat
• Enzymes, such as GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase)

After eating or drinking, these levels may increase, so that when you check the blood the results do not accurately describe your health condition. Therefore, the results of blood tests after meals cannot be used as an accurate reference.

Especially if you check your blood to control diabetes, anemia, cholesterol levels, and liver disease. This health check requires fasting first.

Tips on fasting before blood tests

If indeed you are advised to fast before the blood test, then there are a number of things you should pay attention to.

Drink water

Usually, plain water will not affect the results of certain blood tests. So, generally you can still drink water as usual even though you have to fast before checking your blood. This is done so that your fluid needs are still met.

There are indeed some blood tests that require you to abstain from drinking too. Therefore, clearly ask the doctor what to scan or limit during fasting before the blood test.

Fast duration

When you are asked to fast, you will think the duration is like fasting in the month of Ramadan. In fact, this goes back to the kinds of tests you will be doing.

So again, you should ask your doctor how long you should hold on to eating and drinking. If asked to fast for 12 hours, while you have a blood test tomorrow at 9 am, then you must stop eating and drinking from 9 pm.

Which, it is important to adjust the schedule of blood tests that you will do.

Drugs

Keep taking medication regularly when you have to fast. Unless, the doctor recommends stopping it for a moment before the blood check is done.

Smoke

Smoking can affect blood test results, so you should avoid smoking during your fast before having a blood check.