What Are the Fasting Requirements for the Glucose Lipid Panel Blood Test?
A fasting glucose panel and a fasting lipid panel are two different blood tests. Both tests may be performed from a single drawing of blood, and one period of fasting is usually sufficient prior to blood being drawn for both tests.
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Glucose Panel
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The glucose panel measures blood sugar levels and is used to check for the possibility of diabetes or to monitor those already diagnosed with diabetes. Fasting glucose panels require you to avoid any food or drink, other than water, for six to eight hours prior to the test.
Lipid Panel
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A lipid panel measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Lipid panels usually require fasting with no food or drink, other than water, for nine to 12 hours prior to the test.
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Results
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Up to 100 mg/dL of glucose are normal blood sugar levels. Total cholesterol counts below 200 mg/dL, and triglyceride counts below 150 mg/dL are optimum.
Fasting Exceptions
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According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, fasting may not always be necessary for accurate lipid panel results. Glucose panels are sometimes drawn without fasting to establish a blood sugar baseline for comparison.
Considerations
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It may be ideal to schedule blood drawing early in the morning so fasting time passes overnight while sleeping. Have a back-up driver with you in the event that either the fasting or the blood drawing affects your ability to drive. Always follow fasting instructions from your physician accurately for optimum results.
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