Fasting before cholesterol blood test

[manofkent99]

When I go for my annual blood test for cholesterol, etc I am always asked "Have you fasted for 14 hours?" A friend, also diabetic has been told by her phlebotomist that fasting is not necessary before such a test. My DSN says that 10 to 12 hours is a sufficient fasting time. Does anyone out there know the correct procedure. For how long should one fast before a cholesterol blood test?

 

[Caroline]

As far as I know it is normal to fast for 12 hours and if you're going to the hospital tell them you are a fasting diabetic, it will get you seen more quickly so that you can then go and eat.

Personally when I have the blood tests done, I fast overnight and go in the morning, it is what works best for me.

 

[margie]

There are two different test I think. One is specified as a fasting test. They can do a non fasting one but it will be indicated differently on the blood forms.

 

[Copepod]

Perhaps they just want to record whether or not you have fasted, not implying that you must fast? In any case, go by the advice on the letter - if it doesn't say you must fast, then don't 🙂

 

[MargB]

Humph. I have always fasted and always go for the first appointment. But the practice nurse kept saying I didn't need to fast so a couple of times I haven't. had my breakfast, taken my meds, gone for blood test - only to be called back to have them done again!!!! I now fast every time and if anything is said explain I am going for like-for-like conditions.

 

[Northerner]

There was a story about this a while back, saying that fasting for a cholesterol test was unnecessary, but some sections of the medical profession have still to catch up with the findings (and still are 18 months later, it seems!)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8353510.stm

I've never had to fast for a cholesterol test.

 

[trophywench]

Isn't 'just' a Total Chol test Non-fasting and a Full Lipid Panel Fasting?

 

[Northerner]

Isn't 'just' a Total Chol test Non-fasting and a Full Lipid Panel Fasting?

That's what the thinking used to be - that you couldn't accurately determine LDL cholesterol levels unless the test was fasting. Now they don't, as the article describes - in fact, non-fasting may even be more accurate! I had my review yesterday and the consultant informed me that my ratio of HDL to LDL was very good, but I didn't fast for the test.

 

[Lula]

This is interesting. I have never fasted for a cholesterol test either, but when I recently had a much higher than usual reading the consultant scratched her head, asked if I had fasted, and when I said no wrote me a form to go and have a fasting test... I think they were just a bit puzzled about the big increase in my levels. I think you should do what you feel comfortable with, the important thing is that the person doing the test knows whether you have fasted or not.

 

[manofkent99]

How confusing can a simple thing like a blood test become??? LOL
Perhaps there is a GP with specialist diabetes expertise some where who mmight give his (or her) authoritive view.
The point made by Trophywench as to whether the test is for total cholesterol or full lipids may well be vaild. I don't know.

 

[AlisonM]

I've never been asked to fast before any blood test. I asked about it last time this subject came up on here and was told it wasn't necessary any more.