The Question of Fasting: Do You Have to Go Without Breakfast?

It all depends on the type of blood test you are having done. To take many blood tests, you have to starve for 8 to 12 hours in advance. This normally implies that the final meal you have to eat is the evening before your morning appointment.

Some of the tests that usually involve fasting are:

• Cholesterol panel
• Blood sugar
• Complete metabolic panel
• Lipid panel

In the process of this fasting, you are actually giving your body a chance to process and clean up the foodstuffs of your previous meal. Fasting is, however, not for all the blood tests. Full blood counts (CBC), thyroid, and numerous hormone screenings can frequently be ordered without any dietary limitations. That is why it is of utmost importance to consult your medical professional at your clinic in Frisco regarding certain requirements that your test in question may have.

What Are You Really Missing When You Fast?

You might even wonder what you should eat, as well as what you should avoid eating, in case you should fast. Water is not prohibited--it is even welcome. It is, in fact, easier to get the veins found and blood drawn by the phlebotomist when you are well-hydrated. Drink it up, only be sure it is pure water, with no additives.

The items that you must avoid during your fasting time include:

• All food
• Juices
• Coffee with cream or sugar
• Tea with additives
• Sodas
• Chewing gum

These foods have calories and nutrients that can influence your blood test results. In some cases, black coffee should be fine with some tests; however, it is always better to ask your clinic beforehand.

If you have a morning appointment, it is better to plan it first. By doing so you will be in a position to sleep most of your fasting time and not spend half the day hungry and thinking about food.

The Eve Before: Preparing Yourself for Test

Preparation of your blood begins a day before taking your test. Although you may not need to fast yet, there are various issues to remember to achieve the best possible results.

• Continue with your routine as much as you can.
• Avoid strength exercise the day before your test.
• Don’t consume alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to being tested.
• Get a good sleep.

Getting good sleep is a way to eliminate stress, which may affect some of the test results. Moreover, you will simply feel improved by the time you report to your appointment.

Morning of the Test: Pre-Last Minute Preparations

Comfy clothes (that can be rolled up) with sleeves should be worn on the day of your blood test. This will be made easier for the phlebotomist by a short-sleeved shirt or one with loose sleeves, which will make the experience more comfortable.

Show up a few minutes before your time. This provides you with time to check in, complete any necessary paperwork, and relax prior to the blood draw. Showing up in a hurry and out of breath is not the perfect condition to undergo any medical procedure.

Follow-up After Your Blood Test: What You Need to Know

After extracting your blood, the phlebotomist will press down on the area and place a bandage on it. Do not remove that bandage for less than several hours, as it may cause bruising. It is possible that you will be advised not to do any heavy lifting using that arm throughout the day.

You may well have been fasting, or may have eaten. A snack or small meal is a good thing to carry around, particularly when you are liable to feel lightheaded. So fill your body up; it has been running on empty. After your blood test, have plenty of water during the day. This aids your body in restoring blood volume that was extracted and may make you feel better within a short period.

Understanding Your Results

Similar to most clinics nowadays, you can get your results at PrimeCare360 on their app, Healow, or patient portal. This is a convenient system that will enable you to access the results, make appointments, and stay in touch with your healthcare team at one location.

The response times are usually within a couple of days, but certain tests can be slow. It is not to say that you should panic and start seeing the results before your doctor makes the call--a lot of the values may not make a lot of sense without the necessary context. Always wait for your doctor’s call.

Final Thoughts

There is no need to make blood test preparation complex and stressful. You can get the right information and proper planning to ensure a smooth experience at Frisco clinic. Do not forget to fast when necessary, drink plenty of water, keep in touch with your healthcare system regarding medicine, and carry all the required documents.

Blood tests can be a great way to maintain your health and detect possible problems in time. You are actively engaged in your health process by making the time to prepare well. And that is a reason to be happy about. Therefore, next time you require blood work, breathe in, go through these steps of preparation, and walk into that clinic in Frisco, confidently. You know what is coming, you are well prepared, and it will bring you a step closer to better understanding your health. That's a win in anyone's book.

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