Question:
I have my lab tests tomorrow and need to know how long to fast

My testing is done at 4:30pm tomorrow, Nov. 26th. On my paperwork it says I need to fast but they neglected to tell me how long. I tried to call the hospital but the lab is closed and my surgeons office is also closed. Could someone please let me know the "standard" fasting period. My surgery is December 6th and if anyone has any words of encouragement for me it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED...I'M SOOOO NERVOUS/SCARED. Thank you in advance. Lori Mason    — Lori M. (posted on November 25, 2001)

November 25, 2001
If this is the presurgical testing in the hospital and the blood work is that from the hospital, there is no need to fast. I had my presurgical testing at 2:00 and I had a big breakfast in the morning.
   — Dianne K.

November 25, 2001
It depends on what lab tests are being done. If the test is for a fasting blood sugar (glucose) an 8 hour fast is sufficient. If the test is for a lipid (cholesterol panel) the fast is for 12 hours. I would suggest calling your doctor before breakfast and confirming. I hope this has been of some help. There is no fasting required for CBC (complete blood count), iron (retic), thyroid function or bleeding times in preparation for surgery.
   — Wanda W.

November 25, 2001
I know just what you mean, Sug. Dec 6. I'm like a duck. Calm on top, feet paddeling under. I try so hard to do just what the Dr and office tells me so i wont goof up, make a mistake, get postponed, AVOID ALL SET-BACKS on my part. Thank God we have email to the dr.s nurse. It's wonderful. May I make a suggestion..(I'm talking to myself here too) When they give you an order, ask questions. For instance. I was told, go see the cardiologist for one last time (i have a pace maker) before surgery. So, i went on Oct 15th..when they said they had a date. Well then one of the Drs assistance asked "DID YOU GO IN FOR YOU LAST 30 DAY WORK UP TO YOUR CARDIOLOGIST? " I nearly fainted...No one said anything about a 30 day time frame. If I had asked ...when they said one last time....if i had asked , ok sure...give me an order or how soon or stuff like that maybe it would have avoided the confusion. It's just our minds are so full of other stuff...zillions of things to do and remember that its hard to focus. SO UNLESS YOUR LIKE ME ..AN OLD GOAT..AND FORGET WHERE YOU LIVE each day..ha try and rem to ask questions....or ask for a written order of some sort...those are a life saver for me!!!! :)
   — Jackiis