How to prepare for a fasting blood test

Fasting means not eating or drinking anything except plain water for a set number of hours before your sample is taken. Most fasting tests, like fasting sugar and lipid profile, ask for 8 to 12 hours.

Plan your sample for the morning so most of the fast happens while you sleep. Drink water as usual, because being dehydrated can make it harder to draw blood.

Take your regular medicines unless your doctor has told you otherwise. If you have diabetes and take insulin or tablets, ask your doctor how to handle your dose on the day of the test.

Tea, coffee with milk or sugar, juice and chewing gum can affect some results, so avoid them until after the sample.