Lab Services - Interior Health Authority



Lab Services – Patient Information –What does “fasting” mean?Several tests require that the patient refrains from eating for a period of time prior to the test. “Fasting” means nothing to eat (including gum and candy), drink, or smoke for at least 8 hours. You are permitted to drink water. Medications should continue to be taken as scheduled unless advised otherwise by your physician.Do I need to fast for my blood test?Some of the more common tests that require fasting are listed below. Your doctor may have ordered a less common test for which fasting is either required or preferred, or requires some other preparation prior to the sample mon tests for which fasting is required:Some tests for which fasting is preferred :CryoglobulinGastrinGlucose FastingGlucose Tolerance (includes Gestational Diabetes Confirmation)Lactose ToleranceLipid Profile (Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL, LDL)Cholesterol, TriglycerideD-Xylose ToleranceHomocysteineInsulinIron and Iron ProfileGrowth HormoneParathyroid HormoneHow long must I fast?If your test states fasting is required or preferred, fast for 8 hours prior to the test unless the instructions specifically state otherwise.Fasting Glucose8 -10 hour fast prior to testLipid Profile: Cholesterol/Triglyceride/HDL/LDL12-14 hour fast prior to testGlucose Tolerance Test:Gestational Diabetes ScreenFasting is NOT required. Gestational Diabetes ConfirmationFor 3 days prior, eat regular meals with adequate carbohydrate intake. Fast 10 hours prior to the test. Non-Gestational GTTGestational DiabetesGestational Diabetes screening should be performed between the 24th and 28th week of gestation. The patient should eat as normal prior to the test and must not be fasting.Arrive at the laboratory at any time during normal hours of operation.Eat normal meals prior to the test, but avoid food items containing a high sugar load,e.g. “Slurpee”.You will be given a 50 gm glucose drink to consume. A blood test will be scheduled to be collected 1 hour after completion of the drink. You are required to remain in the Lab Outpatient area while waiting to have your specimen taken.If you experience any discomforting symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or sweating, please make the laboratory staff aware right away. Adverse reactions will be noted and the ordering physician will be informed.Based on the results of this test, your doctor may want you to have the Gestational Diabetes confirmation test. You must follow the same preparation instructions as for the Glucose Tolerance Test. Glucose Tolerance TestYou should arrive fasting and are required to remain in the Laboratory Outpatient waiting area for the duration of the test. The oral glucose load for adults is 75 grams and the child dose is 1.75 gm/kg of body weight up to a maximum of 75 grams.You are required to have no caloric intake for at least 10 hours prior to the blood collection. This includes NO gum, candy, coffee, tea or diet soft drinks. Water is permissible.You should also refrain from smoking during the fast.Arrive at the laboratory at any time during normal hours of operation.A fasting blood sample will be collected.You will be given a 75 gm glucose drink to consume. Timing for the test will begin upon completion of the drink.You are required to remain in the Lab Outpatient area while waiting to have your remaining blood samples collected.If you experience any discomforting symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or sweating, please make the laboratory staff aware right away. Adverse reactions will be noted and the ordering physician will be informed. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, testing may be stopped.Blood specimens will be drawn according to which test is requested:Glucose Tolerance (non-pregnant):Fasting2 hr post 75 gm doseGlucose Tolerance (gestational):Fasting1 hr post 75 gm dose2 hr post 75 gm dose ................
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