Fasting for medical tests

2-minute read

If you are having a medical test done, you may be asked to fast by your doctor or nurse. For some medical tests, fasting beforehand gives a more accurate result. For other tests or operations, you need to fast for safety reasons. Your doctor can tell you what to do to prepare for your test.

What is fasting?

Fasting means not eating and only drinking sips of water. If you are fasting, you can't drink fruit juice, soft drink, coffee, tea or milk, and you can't eat or suck on lollies and chewing gum.

Fasting for tests

Fasting for blood tests

A fasting blood test is usually done in the morning after you have fasted for 8 to 16 hours.

Fasting for a gastroscopy

You need to fast for 6 hours before a gastroscopy. This is to lower the risk of vomiting up and inhaling what's in your stomach. It also gives the doctor a clear view inside the stomach and intestine.

Fasting for a colonoscopy

Before a colonoscopy, you eat a low-fibre diet for 2 to 3 days, and have only clear fluids the day before, such as water, black coffee, apple juice, or clear jellies. If you have diabetes, make sure you get the right amount of glucose in these fluids. The day before, you also take a medicine to empty your bowel. Finally, for several hours before the procedure you need to fast.

Fasting before an anaesthetic

If you are being sedated or having a general anaesthetic, your doctor will ask you to stop eating several hours beforehand. You can have small amounts of clear fluids up to 2 hours before.

Special considerations for fasting

Medication

Keep taking your medication as usual before a test, unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Some medications need to be stopped, so be sure to tell your doctor everything you are taking.