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...
Instructions: If you are asked to fast for your test: Â· Do not eat or drink anything (except water) for at least 8 hours before you go to the laboratory to have your blood taken. If your physician has ordered lipid tests, you must fast for at least 12 hours. You may drink water, but no juice, tea or coffee. Â· Do not smoke, chew gum, or exercise. These activities may stimulate the digestive system and alter test results.