Fasting Blood Tests Instructions
Please follow these timing guidelines to ensure accurate results:
Fasting Blood Glucose Test
- No food or drink (except water) for 8–12 hours before the test.
- Water is allowed during the fast and on the morning of the test.
- Blood collection should be done before 09:00 AM.
Fasting Lipogram
- Sample can be collected up to 11:00 AM.
- Fasting period should be 12–16 hours.
Preparation for the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Follow these steps to prepare:
- Fast overnight for 8–12 hours and start the test before 9:00 AM.
- Only water allowed during fasting and on test morning. No caffeine.
- Stop non-essential/over-the-counter medication for 3 days before the test.
- If on essential medication (e.g. for blood pressure or cholesterol):
- Skip it on the morning of the test.
- Bring it along to take after the last sample.
- Provide a complete medication list to the lab.
- Postpone the test if you're ill or recovering from an infection.
- No smoking on the day of the test or during the procedure.
- Remain seated quietly at the depot during the test:
- Standard test: 2 hours
- Extended test: Up to 5 hours (as per doctor’s request)
- Eat a diet with at least 150 g of carbohydrates for 3 days before the test.