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...
It will save you from unnecessary discomfort and it will save you money. To Fast or Not to Fast? Many tests do not require fasting, but lipid panels (also known as cholesterol tests), glucose testing, and stool tests are a few that do. If your provider orders blood work during a visit, be sure to ask your provider if you need to fast beforehand. Fasting Requirements Fasting means that, with the exception of water, you refrain from eating or drinking for a minimum of 8 hours (10 to 12 hours is preferable) prior to the draw.