Is it correct that you no longer need to fast for a cholesterol test?

[sebstar]

[sandybrown]

Hello,

In our GP practice they used to collect blood on Wednesday mornings. It has changed now.

For both my wife and me blood was collected in the afternoon for cholesterol and blood sugar (HbA1c) tests by a nurse.

May be new system, saving money! or ??. On Wednesdays blood collection section used to open from 0700 - 1000, number of staff on duty, 6.

[Hidden]

Not as far as I know. All my tests were have been "fasting"

[Hidden]

Think they still have to be fasting to get true reading. Blood usually taken first thing in the morning then you don't have to fast for too long....Bala sounds like your GP practice is no longer patient friendly....!!!! :/

[Tigree]

My cholesteroll tests are non fasting???

[sandybrown]

All,

May be the administrators needs to check what is the latest requirements, fasting or non fasting for cholesterol checks? as we all have different views!

At the end of the day NHS, GPs and medical people do what id necessary.

[sandybrown]

All,

If the blood is taken any time of the day for testing, are the numbers of bold test results going to change, the question is a day ago, not may of the normal people who responds to questions have not come back with any comments! why?

To me is an imperative question?

[Sonyajba]

My understanding is that it is possible to now have a cholesterol blood test without fasting, although there are two principal reasons that it's usually recommended to fast before testing.

One: Triglycerides increase with tremendous variation after a meal, depending on how much fat was in the meal, what kind of fat, how overweight you are, the presence of pre-diabetes or diabetes, how depleted you are in omega-3 fatty acids, and genetic factors.

Two: LDL cholesterol is calculated (yes, calculated, not measured) using an equation that assumes that the triglyceride level is a fasting value. Because of the after-eating increase in triglycerides, it can misleadingly increase LDL.

I seem to recall that there has recently been some research that actually shows the cholesterol levels do not differ greatly whether a patient has fasted or not.

I imagine it depends on ones doctor really, what their understanding is, My own GP is definitely in fasting camp, while my husbands hospital consultant takes his cholesterol bloods any time.

[sebstar]

Thanks for replies. My last test was non fasting and just wondered if this was now the norm but judging by replies there is no clear answer.

[sandybrown]

All,

Can I eat and drink before having a blood test?

It depends on the type of blood test you’re having. The healthcare professional who arranges your blood test will tell you whether there are any specific instructions you need to follow before your test.

Blood cholesterol tests (lipid profile)

Do not eat anything and only drink water for 10-12 hours before having blood cholesterol tests (lipid profile).

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of conditions such as heart disease.

There are several different cholesterol tests. When these are done together it’s called a lipid profile. A lipid profile tests the levels of:

•‘good’ (HDL) cholesterol

•'bad’ (LDL) cholesterol

•total cholesterol

•triglycerides (other fatty substances)

If you're just having a triglycerides test, do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test (you'll also need to fast as explained above).

The Health A-Z has more information about diagnosing high cholesterol.

[Wyvon]

My understanding has always been that, if you are just being tested for total cholesterol levels, fasting is not necessary. If your blood test includes triglycerides, then it needs to be a fasting test so, a morning test is more suitable for most people. As your practice nurse or doctor for they will know what is best in your personal circumstances.