Fasting blood test

[Mouse]

I am having a fasting blood test tomorrow and have been told not to eat after 9pm tonight. What I don't know is whether I can have a drink, other than water, in the morning.

Does anyone know the answer?

[helvella Administrator]

Have a look here:

nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1018.aspx?...

Looks like for the tests they mention, the answer is no, you are not allowed.

Rod

[Mia1057]

I have had this recently and they wouldn't even let me have any water to drink. I was allowed to rinse my mouth. But I do think the nurse was a bit over the top.

[Mouse]

Thank you both for your answers. The only reason I am having the fasting blood test is because the doctor asked if I would like my cholesterol checked while I was having a thyroid function test and I said yes.

[deb25426]

Usually on a fasting test I have been allowed water! There is no fat etc in it!

[Glynisrose]

No food after 10 pm but you are allowed to drink water.

[Mouse]

Thank you for all your replies. I have now had the blood test. I didn't realise how thorough my GP was being as I seem to be being tested for loads of things; 4 bottles of blood!

When I get my results I will be posting them for comments.

[Jackie]

Sorry only just noticed your post. Fasting test is water only but you can take any meds. However if you are separately having thyroid tests too, do not take these meds or any Beta blockers.Interestingly , I cannot have fasting tests now as not safe for me. Yet, I am now told that it does not make any difference to the results, in fact my NHS says it does not matter.and it does not appear to effect my results. However, if you did eat, although told it does not matter ,I would be careful what I had as obvious some things eg sugar would effect the result.If you stick with water, have plenty or your veins will be dehydrated (collapsed) leaving a problem actually getting the blood.

Jackie

[onhereagain]

When I turned up at a fasting test chewing sugar free gum I was refused the test as apparently even that effects the results.