My plan is to go tomorrow and have blood work done. The doctor ordered; PSA, LIPID, CMP and TSH. CMP is comprehensive metabolic panel with gfr. The PSA is the prostate specific antigen test. The TSH is for thyroid-stimulating hormone test.
The doctor wants the TSH test to see if that is why I am feeling dizzy and faint all the time.
I always forget to ask how long to fast before the test. I think it is something like 6 to 14 hours depending on the type of tests you are taking.
Buzzle.Com has “Fasting for Blood Work” and a lot of information.
“…Instructions for Fasting for Blood Work - Triglyceride Levels
If you are getting your blood tested for triglyceride levels, here are the rules for the same. You will have to undertake a 12 hour fast before the blood test. In some cases the fasting period can also be up to 14 hours. Only water is permitted during the fasting period. Coffee is NOT allowed. To get the exact measurements of triglycerides in your blood, it is important that you fast overnight and then take the blood test next day in the morning. This is important as anything other than water can increase the triglycerides levels in your blood. In case you consume any food, it is possible that triglycerides levels can be higher in your blood and your physician, will have to prescribe drugs. Along with the above mentioned rules, you are not supposed to consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before your blood test. If you do take any kind of vitamin supplements, you should not have them at least 24 hours prior. You will have to consult with your physician, if you are consuming any kind of antihistamines, antibiotics or cortisone…”
I did not know about not taking the vitamin supplements. I got a feeling a lot of people do not know about that point.
I guess my plan is that I will not eat or drink anything after midnight. The lab opens at 0700 hours. But the lab is in the parking lot with a big shopping mall. I think the mall opens at 1000. So I will time it to get there at about 1000 hours and then I can go over to mall to the food court and get something to eat.
Comments