How to Fast for a Cholesterol Screening

Cholesterol screening is a widely available test to measure your high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and triglycerides---all fats that make up the cholesterol in your body.
To get an accurate reading, most labs request a patient to abstain from eating for 12 hours before getting blood samples drawn for the test. Do drink water, and ask if coffee is okay.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled, spring or filtered water

Instructions

1. Ask the lab where you will get your cholesterol screening performed how long you have to fast before the test: in some cases it is 12 hours, other times less.

2. Schedule an early-morning screening so that you can eat a normal breakfast afterward.
   For example, for a 12-hour fast, you can stop eating any food by 7 p.m. and go to the lab at 7 a.m. for the blood test.

3. Avoid eating very fatty, fried or highly processed foods the week or so before you get your cholesterol screening done. Eat as close to your normal diet as possible, but don't decide to eat pizza daily before this test.

4. Eat lightly the two days before your test so that it will not be difficult to fast for 12 hours before the blood draw.

5. Remember to drink water between your meals, the evening before and the morning of your cholesterol screening to avoid dehydration. Ask your doctor if you can consume tea or coffee during your fast.

Resources

• Cholesterol Fast, National Institutes of Health