Sometimes, your healthcare provider can’t just diagnose the illness by examining you. They ask you to get a blood test done to diagnose the disease or illness. Some blood tests need you to keep fasting for it. An empty stomach grumbles its protest, as your last meal happened around eight to ten hours back. It is a challenge to keep yourself away from morning tea or coffee and breakfast in the morning.
You wonder, which is the best option for a blood test near me? Visit Private Blood Test London lab for the required blood test.
We will mention here five important facts related to fasting in the morning. Keep them in mind when you have a blood test.
1. Some blood tests need fasting, but not all
There are a few tests that need fasting before a blood test. All tests do not, based on the doctor’s instructions. The fasting period varies between eight to twelve hours, depending on the tests. Certain nutrients and ingredients from your food get absorbed into your bloodstream. They can influence the factors that are being measured in the blood tests. In such cases, fasting improves the accuracy of the results. It gives your doctor the best analysis of your health problems.
Some of the standard lab tests that need fasting are
- Blood glucose tests and C-peptide tests. These tests are to check insulin and blood sugar levels.
- Vitamin B12 level testing
- Lipid profile tests to measure triglycerides, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
2. You are usually allowed to drink water before a blood test
Unless the doctor specifically says so, you are allowed to have water before a blood test. It is beneficial to have water before the test. When your body’s hydration levels are good, it is easier to find the veins. This makes it convenient to draw blood.
In addition, if your body is well hydrated, you are less prone to dizziness after the extraction of blood. This is a common problem faced by many patients who need a blood test.
Whenever the doctor recommends fasting for a blood test, ask if you can drink water. It is always best to seek clarification from the doctor. This ensures compliance with all parameters for a blood test.
3. Take your medications before a blood test
It is advisable to continue with your normal medications before a blood test, even if it requires fasting. Check with your doctor for clarification. This is to ensure that the sanctity of the tests is not disturbed.
Many people take vitamins or other forms of supplements as part of their daily medication. Again, check with the doctor if it is all right to have them before a test.
Patients with many health problems sometimes make assumptions on their own. That they should stop taking medication for older health problems. They should only have medication of the new problem. It is advisable to seek the opinion of a doctor.
4. Eat immediately after the test
It is always best to get your blood test done early in the morning. Breakfast remains the most important meal of the day as your stomach has been emptied for eight hours or more. The extraction of blood makes you feel weak. And for that reason, some people are prone to dizziness after a blood test.
Carry your meal box or a snack with you. Consume it immediately after the blood test. Carry a flask of coffee or a bottle of juice. Have water with the meal. Your blood pressure tends to remain stable after having a meal following the test.
If the weather is warm, make sure to take plenty of fluids like water or juice.
5. Understand the numbers of your lab test
Visit your doctor or the lab to understand the test reports. It is important to be truthful about your fasting with your health professionals. This is important to get a correct diagnosis of your health problems. Being honest with the doctor makes the numbers on the reports meaningful and accurate. This can happen only if the patient follows the stated protocols given by the doctor.
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The accuracy of your lab test results forms the basis of your treatment and medication. The decision in regard to the dosages of your medication depends on the test results. The doctor’s recommendations on patient care are also derived from the reports.
To answer the question, which is the best option for a private blood test near me? Visit us at one of our branches of Private Blood Test London. You can schedule an instant appointment for the blood test.