6 tests require fasting before sampling

Not all tests require fasting in the morning.

Dr. Tran Minh Thao, Deputy Head of the Department of On-Demand Medical Examination and Treatment at Bach Mai Hospital, said that doctors often receive questions from patients: Do I need to fast before an examination? If so, how many hours should I fast beforehand?

6 basic tests that require fasting before sample collection.

Regarding the above questions, Dr. Thao advises that the following tests should be performed without fasting: liver function tests, kidney function tests, blood glucose tests, blood lipid tests, iron quantification, and platelet aggregation tests.

The doctor explained that the minimum fasting time should be 8-12 hours. The reason is that nutrients will be converted into glucose, which is then absorbed by the body and converted into energy.

At this time, the levels of components in the blood will change and skew the test results. Therefore, it is necessary to fast for a sufficient period of time before taking a sample for testing.

For patients requiring paraclinical procedures such as gastrointestinal endoscopy, they need to fast for at least 4-6 hours before the procedure.

Additionally, during a health check-up or in certain medical situations, patients may be prescribed an abdominal ultrasound. To perform this ultrasound, patients need to refrain from urinating and drink plenty of water beforehand. The amount of water is necessary to fill the bladder so that the ultrasound image is clear.

Afternoon or after-hours appointments do not affect the results.

Sharing more about the best time to visit, instead of insisting on going for an early morning check-up and fasting, Dr. Thao added: "Except for acute illnesses, headaches, stomachaches, chest pain, or severe pain, you should go for a check-up early, even in the middle of the night. For most cases, about 90% can be postponed to the afternoon."

If the procedure requires fasting, have a light breakfast and fast at lunchtime. The hospital starts working at 1:30 PM, and people can have blood tests, gastroscopy, ultrasound, and imaging done just like in the morning. The results will be no different from the morning examination."

Dr. Thao also stated: "From August 1st, Bach Mai Hospital will extend its consultation hours to 9 PM on weekdays; including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Patients undergoing examinations, blood tests, or other tests can skip lunch and dinner outside of normal consultation hours. With a modern system of equipment and a team of highly qualified doctors and nurses, results are available in approximately 2 hours."

"For patients returning for check-ups, those with simple medical conditions should come to the hospital in the afternoon, because in these cases, doctors only need to perform simple tests or prescribe medication. Afternoon visits are less crowded, making it easier for patients to access medical services," said Dr. Thao.

From August 1st, 2024, Bach Mai Hospital will provide on-demand medical examination and treatment services from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day of the week, from Monday to Friday.

On Saturdays and Sundays, Bach Mai Hospital provides on-demand medical examination and treatment services from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Book an appointment online and find instructions on the examination process on the Bach Mai Hospital website.

To schedule a follow-up appointment, patients can call the hotline: 1900888866

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/6-xet-nghiem-can-nhin-an-truoc-khi-lay-mau-185240729114238072.htm