What Should You Not Do Before a Blood Test?

There are many different types of blood tests that are performed to diagnose physical ailments and identify potential problems. In order for some tests to provide accurate results, there are certain things you should avoid. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for the test(s) you are receiving, but in general you should not:

• Eat or drink anything (except water) for 8-12 hours prior to your test
• Drink coffee
• Chew gum
• Smoke
• Take vitamins
• Drink alcohol for 24 hours prior to your test

If you are on medication, ask your doctor if you should continue your regular medication schedule.

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) is recommended so your test results are not skewed. Even chewing gum, although you are not swallowing it, may alter your digestion and affect your blood test results. 

It is recommended to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and make your veins more visible for the blood draw.

Common Tests that Require Fasting

• Blood glucose
• Liver function
• Triglyceride level
• Cholesterol, HDL & LDL
• Basic metabolic panel
• Renal function panel

Tips for Fasting

If the thought of going without food for 12 hours gives you anxiety, you may want to schedule your lab work early in the morning. This will allow you to wake up, drive to the office and have the tests completed before you get too hungry.

If you forget to fast before your blood test, let your doctor or the technician know before you have your blood drawn. They may want to reschedule the test or at least make a note of when you last ate/drank in case your results seem skewed.

The primary care doctors at Westgate Family Physicians have the ability to provide in-house lab services, performing complete blood work in Spartanburg, SC. This saves our patients the time and hassles of going to an outside lab for testing and allows us to remind our patients about the importance of fasting before bloodwork.

Call our primary care physicians in Spartanburg at (864) 574-0070 or click here to schedule an appointment.