I'm going to get blood tests done at the doctor's at 1 PM

[JanetRose]

Do I have to fast for 8 or 24 hours prior? Thanks.

 

[Daxx]

I think it depends on the test (what they're testing for). My guess is that you'd be safe w/a 12 hour fasting period. Just a guess, though -- not a med. expert!

 

[chell]

What did they tell you when you made the appointment? Could you call them first thing in the morning to be sure if you have to fast? If you don't it would be a shame for you to go without anything all day. I don't know about you but when I know I can't have anything I get so thirsty.

 

[Horseshoes]

It depends on the blood test.

Did the office tell you to fast, if they didnt then you may not need to at all.

Try calling first thing in the morning to clarify.

 

[Skylarr29]

I have never been told to fast before a regualr blood test but like others have said it could be different depending on what they are testing for.

 

[luvflorida]

I'm having routine blood tests done tomorrow, too. I was told to fast for 14 hours. I haven't eaten anything since 6:30pm and my blood work is scheduled for 8:30am. The doctor also gave me a slip of paper with the 14 hour fast info and instructions to be sure to drink plenty of water so as not to get dehydrated. Maybe if your doctor didn't say anything you don't have to fast? You should call and check, though.

Boy, I sure could eat a cupcake right now!!

 

[Daxx]

Boy, I sure could eat a cupcake right now!!

That's the worst part, isn't it?! You think of all these things that you want to eat right when you can't eat them. Any other time, and you could live w/o the cupcake. The instant you start fasting, you start craving everything!

Sending you a virtual cupcake ... flavor of your choice! Just think, you can eat one tomorrow after all is said and done (and by then, you prob. won't want one!).

PS -- we have a Henry cat, too!

 

[disneychrista]

I have never heard of fasting for 24 hours for any blood test. I have heard of 12 hours, which is fairly easy since you are sleeping for about 8 of them. Unless they are testing for blood sugar then I don't see why you need to fast at all.

 

[Tiggeroo]

dh is getting one tomorrow morning. He was told to fast after midnight. The test is 7am.

 

[luvflorida]

That's the worst part, isn't it?! You think of all these things that you want to eat right when you can't eat them. Any other time, and you could live w/o the cupcake. The instant you start fasting, you start craving everything!

Sending you a virtual cupcake ... flavor of your choice! Just think, you can eat one tomorrow after all is said and done (and by then, you prob. won't want one!).

PS -- we have a Henry cat, too!

Actually, I could eat a cupcake just about any time! See my very long tag?!?! I'm leaving in a few minutes for the blood work and I have a glazed Dunkin Donut in my very near future.

My Henry sends a wave to your Henry!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

You would need to fast for lipid/cholesterol levels too. You should be able to have small sips of water, though.

 

[LadyyRedd]

Fast for 12-14 hours, but drink lots of water. Water does not alter the results of the test and staying hydrated is important so that A) you don't get weak from not eating food, and B) they don't have problems finding a vein to draw blood from. B is a better reason than A, to me!

Kimya