For the study, researchers compared cholesterol testing results of 300,000 people from Denmark, Canada, and the U.S. In both the U.S. and Canada, fasting for eight hours before a test is required. In Denmark, however, it is not.
Patients who are scheduled for a lipid profile test should fast (except for water) for 12-14 hours before the blood sample is drawn. If the patient's cholesterol is to be fractionated, he or she also should avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test. http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Ato...
An analysis of a blood sample taken with a needle and syringe gives a better indication of health risks. The GP can ask for a full lipid profile test, which not only tests the levels of cholesterol but also of triglycerides. Before having this type of blood test, you will be asked to not eat or drink for 10â12 hours.Because this is a fasting blood test, it can be scheduled for the morning so the fasting period includes when you are asleep at night and therefore normally fasting.o help determine your risks, the total cholesterol levels are considered, as well as the ratio between total cholesterol and HDL. A non-fasting blood test can be taken if the GP does not want a review of LDL cholesterol levels. 1 | 2.