If having fasting blood tests do you just not eat, not take levo or not drink tea before tests. Or all of the above?

[Suzi-d]

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

It depends!

I can say that some tests/procedures allow black tea (or, sometimes, black coffee) but would not allow any milk. Others might say water only.

I think you need to check exactly which tests and ask the lab or the phlebotomy department or whoever is doing the test(s).

For non-thyroid tests, I would have expected you to take levothyroxine as usual - but do check.

Rod

[Hidden]

Hi Suzi,

Some GP's do not tell you this, but if it is a thyroid blood test we have always been advised to drink only water before having the blood drawn. My daughter always takes her tablets with her to take them immediately after the test. For a 24 hour urine test take your tablets as normal (although this test is unlikely to be done by your GP)

If you are doing a private test from Genova or some other private company they will give you specific instructions.

Jane x

[Jackie]

Hi Fasting blood, nothing except water for 12 hours before the test and important drugs eg cardiac. Tell Phlebotomist what drugs you have had for the form. You must have plenty of water or will be too dehydrated to obtain blood, veins will close down.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[Hidden]

3 slightly different replies for you!

I think asking the lab might be a good idea! xx

Louise

xx

[Suzi-d]

Thanks for replies everyone. The tests are thyroid, cholesterol and vitamin deficiency. It's a t 9 this morning so I think I will probably just have water till I've been x

[Issy]

definitely only water since midnight (or is it 10pm)?

definitely no thyroid drugs before the test. Otherwise you are only testing the drugs you have just ingested.

[boo16]

I'v always been told by hospital phlebotomist that either water, black tea or black coffee is fine.

As I only drink very weak black tea anyway, that is what I have always done. Taking medication is an entirely different issue, depending upon what bloods are being taken for. xx

[ladytelita]

I had a fasting test last week and only drank water. My veins still tried to close down so it is important to be hydrated sufficiently.