HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

I've been told to fast for 12 hours beforehand. the test is for cholesterol etc. why must i fast?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Cholesterol: Levels are dynamic by avoiding food for at least 12h it has been felt an equilibrium level is demonstrated. Some recent evidence suggests the fast may not be needed. Most labs still use the fast.

Dr Ajluni agreed

Answered 9/28/2016

5k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I've been told my cholesterol is 125, but I have a good ratio of HDL to ldl. Should i get a particle size test to check for LDL and a c reactivpro tes?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Should I fast before a cholesterol/lipid test? My nonfast cholesterol was recently high, but 6 months ago a fasting was square in the normal range?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Could consuming chicken affect my fast for my cholesterol test in the morning?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I am getting 230-245 cholesterol and 160-170 LDL in tests for a few years. I am fairly active, not eating fast food/processed. What may cause it?bmi20

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

How long do you have to fast for a blood test checking for things that acutane effects like triglycerides and cholesterol?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

Dr told me to eat every 3 hrs. Have low blood sgrs around 34. Diabetic on no meds. Cholesterol test soon. Do i fast?
I am somewhat concerned. I am a diabetic, with no medication. My fasting blood sugar is at 102. I need to get the 12 hour fasting cholesterol test done. Should i fast for 12 hours?
Very good afternoon doctors. I need to take a fasting blood test for glucose and for cholesterol. How many hours should I be on a fast before the blood test? What time the next day, morning or afternoon, is a good time to get the blood test?
For what reasons do we need to fast before cholesterol test ?
What would experts say? Could a 2 week water fast significantly lower your cholesterol the day of the test?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.