Fasting for a pathology test
Overnight fasting is essential for collecting samples for the following tests:
- lipids (cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL)
- fasting glucose
- gastrin
- glucose tolerance test
- homocysteine
- free fatty acids
- vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
- bile acids
- C-peptide.
Overnight fasting means having nothing to eat or drink (except water) from 9pm the night before, up to the time of your test.
You can drink as much water as you like but you cannot drink water with an additive such as tea, coffee or cordial. You are best to avoid cigarettes as well.
Contact your preferred collection centre or your referring doctor if you have any questions about fasting for a test.
QIS document number: 10811