Prior to a blood test, it is common that fasting is required. Commonly, it is done for 9 to 12 hours before the test is performed, according to the doctor’s advice. During the fasting, the patient is not advised to take any food or drink other than water. It is considered important, so that the result of the test will not be affected by substances drawn from the consumed foods. This is to confirm the fact that although our body synthesize its cholesterol in the liver, what we take daily also contribute significantly to the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.

What to avoid when fasting for a cholesterol blood test

Your doctor will advise what foods to take and not. Most commonly, people who are going to get their blood tested for cholesterol are told not to eat and drink anything other than plenty of water for 9 to 12 hours before the test. This is done to prevent your digestive system from breaking down in-taken substances and thus, influencing the blood sugar level. You should notice that some of blood cholesterol is derived from the substances in our foods and drinks. Thus, they should be avoided shortly before the blood test. In some cases, the doctor might also tell you not to do exercises, since it may also influence the test result. In almost all cases, however, smoking before the blood test is strictly prohibited.

Can I drink coffee before the test?

Although some doctors may allow you to drink a small cup of unsweetened coffee prior to a cholesterol blood test, is advisable to avoid it while fasting for the test, since as little as it will, the result does affect the test result. Therefore, avoid drinking coffee during the fasting period, especially if you are expecting a very accurate blood test result that is important if you are suspected from a heart disease or cardiovascular issue. Having high triglycerides level also makes coffee absence for 9 to 12 hours before the test significant.

What is affected if I drink coffee before the test?

Coffee is loaded with caffeine, which can be absorbed by your system quite quickly. Caffeine is going to affect your blood sugar level that affects the level of glucose in your blood. Blood glucose test is used for diabetes-related blood test, so that any intervention with its level may leave the result inaccurate for determining one’s risk of diabetes. Coffee beans is also made up of some amount of sugar, which will definitely affect the test result. Besides, caffeinated drinks, including coffee—sweetened or decaffeinated is going to affect liver function.

How to fast to prepare for a cholesterol blood test

Whether you will be required to fast or not will depend on your doctor, although mostly, a blood test for cholesterol does require a 9-to-12-hours fasting. When fasting to prepare for the test, make sure you do not put any substance into the body which can affect the way the result turns. Ask your doctor whether you need to cut off your medications for such hours until the test is performed. If you are accustomed to physical exercises to maintain your cholesterol level, consider to pause it during the fasting period, as this activity might also affect the result of the test. Prior to the test, avoid eating and drinking anything other than water. Do not flavor the water with anything. Before the fasting period starts, however, you might want to eat nutritious meals and keep your body well-hydrated.