No one likes getting a blood test, but the procedure is usually uneventful and brief. Prescription medications including, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, alcohol, or recreational drugs, can affect the results of a blood test. Both of these numbers should just be considered as normal. If you’re working out, hiking, at a high altitude, or outdoors a great deal, you’re going to need to add to those 100 ounces. They contain no nutritional value, and can dehydrate you. This lab’s normal range may be different from another lab, so don’t be alarmed if you find out that a previous blood test report varied from the more recent report. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) For a fasting blood sugar test, do not eat or drink anything other than water for at least 8 hours before the blood sample is taken. 2. If you need to fast from water as well, make sure you drink enough water the night before a blood test. Classes can teach how to draw blood, but they can’t change the fact that food can alter a blood test’s results. This article will tell all the stories about blood test, and give you instructions to follow before a blood test. How Much Water Should You Drink to Flush Your System? Why is hydration so important when donating blood? So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you would need 100 ounces of water per day, if you’re not doing anything strenuous. Diluting urine means that you drink a great deal of water before providing a specimen and your body is overly hydrated. Drink plenty of water before the test so your veins are well hydrated and easier to find to draw a blood sample. Chemo … Be sure to discuss these activities with your physician prior to taking a blood test. It is important that you do this. The healthcare professional arranging your test will tell you if you need to do anything to prepare for it. If you continue feeling unwell, it may be a good idea to consult with a physician. If you feel quite nervous, chatting with your phlebotomist will help a lot to ease it. Fasting for a lab test typically lasts eight hours. First, ensure you drink enough water before your … It can increase the level of creatinine in your blood and affect your GFR results. For instance, a 200-pound person should consume about 100 ounces of water daily. And if urine tests are ordered along with blood tests, it will be easier for you to provide a sample. This is generally the case for blood tests and surgeries. Note that a small number of tests have stricter requirements, such as the H. pylori breath test, which involves consuming nothing, including water, for one hour prior to the test. What’s more, drinking water helps you feel better when you’re accepting the test. Although getting your blood drawn can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. After all, the differences could just be in the lab. Hemoglobin level of 11 to 13 grams/deciliter (gm/dl) for children is normal, a value of 13.5 to 15.5 gm/dl is normal for adults. Two to three hours before an infusion, eat light and make your choices high-fiber. Intake of water becomes advantageous as it increases the volume of blood and keeps the veins in hydrated state. Yes: Water is fine before a blood glucose test, but don't eat any food or drink other liquids which might falsely elevate the glucose level in the blood… While classes in focus on what they can do to make your blood draw more comfortable, there are a few things you should do to make your life, as well as the phlebotomist’s, easier. Copyright WWW.NEWHEALTHADVISOR.ORG © 2020, All rights Reserved. For this test you will need to fast for 8 hours before test. A couple more tips to help you have a better experience donating blood: Make Your Phlebotomist (and Yourself) Happy by Drinking Plenty of Water, article from U.S. News’ Health and Wellness section, Why Traveling Taints Your Ability to Give Blood, How the American Red Cross is Helping Phlebotomists Continue Their Education, Avoid alcohol of any type for a full 24 hours before your donation, If you feel dizzy at all after donating, lie down or sit down with your head between your knees at least until the dizziness passes, Drink plenty of fluid (more than you normally would) for the following four hours, Keep your venipuncture site clean and dry (the bandage can be removed after a few hours). 0 comment. This applies for every other blood test too. Maintaining hydration is critical not only for your physical well-being day to day, but also for your mental wellness too. Fasting Blood Test: Yes, you can drink water and eat no food for your test. Normal levels of hemoglobin vary by age: it’s higher for adults and lower for children. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor to find out how long you need to fast. When your blood thickens, it’s harder for the phlebotomy specialist to puncture the vein and draw blood. There are only certain tests that require you to fast for eight to … The results are considered positive when the blood test finds the marker, (DNA or protein), that is identified in the blood sample. Remember also to wear warm clothes for the season before you go in to get your blood test. If your phlebotomy specialist says it is OK to drink water before getting blood drawn, try to drink the recommended daily amount of water, which is 64 ounces. Phlebotomy classes from know that lower blood pressure is often better, but this isn’t always the case. Results can mean different things depending on your age. If there is any bleeding when you remove the bandage, raise your arm and apply some pressure to your inner bicep. Fasting for a blood test entails avoiding all food and beverages (except for water) for 8 to 12 hours prior to the test. Last Updated 23 February, 2021. When you have had a blood test to check for an infectious disease such as a test for hepatitis C, getting back a negative result is great news, because it means the blood test found no evidence of the infection. Current time: 02/23/2021 09:26:24 am (America/New_York) Can you drink alcohol the night before a blood test. Fasting is not always necessary before a blood test, but when it is, it is only for a short time. Can you drink water before a blood test?Generally speaking, you’ll want to follow your doctor’s orders when taking these different tests. There are some blood tests that are compromised by your activities. If you are having a blood test for drug or alcohol use and you drink alcohol before, your test will most likely show a positive result for alcohol. Get the free app for Members. This gives me an egfr , on average of 43. It will increase your skin temperature, increase the blood flow to the area, and make it easier for the phlebotomist to find a good vein. 24/7 visits. Starting it 6 hours before the test and urinating a few times before giving the samples is even more effective and has more probabilities of clearing the test. Avoid taking iron supplements for at least 24 hours before the blood draw. So, being well-hydrated, in my case, only works about 50% of the time. Recent food intake does not influence the results of most blood tests, so advance preparation is usually not needed. Healthcare providers may tell you not to eat or drink anything, except water, after midnight. If your phlebotomy specialist says it is OK to drink water before getting blood drawn, try to drink the recommended daily amount of water, which is 64 ounces. The amount of time to fast varies for different tests. Send thanks to the doctor. It depends on the test. It depends on the type of blood test you're having. According to an article from U.S. News’ Health and Wellness section, a good rule of thumb if you aren’t sure how much water you should drink each day, is as follows: The basic equation for determining this is by dividing your body weight in half. I recommend that you drink if you are thirsty but do not force fluid intake just because you are going in for testing. Some people think they should avoid water before a blood test, not only is this untrue, it’s unhealthy. However, one's kidneys do a pretty good job at keeping serum levels in a healthy range - if there's too much blood volume, you'll pee more; too little, pee less. The range can be between one half liter per day to more than 15 liters per day. Participants that consumed more than one litre of water per day had a 28 per cent lower risk of developing new onset hyperglycemia, compared to those … 0. 2 thanks. My last 10 tests have reported a Creatinine level of 1.4 up to 1.6. However, you can only consume plain water, not soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, coffee, or tea. My blood is tested every 3 weeks (for various reasons). This is because the components of food vary the composition of the blood which leads to wrong results. $15 per month. Your health care provider will determine if you should wait 24-48 hours to have the blood work drawn, or if what you are taking will not significantly alter the blood test results. As far as possible, schedule your blood test in the morning itself so that you can avoid excess fasting and carry on with your routine immediately after the test. When your healthcare professional orders blood drawn for testing, and the physician instructs you to fast before the test, the first thing many people want to know is, can one drink water before blood test? Sit Still. Your doctor may ask you to take a fasting blood test to determine your cholesterol or blood sugar levels. You may be asked to refrain from strenuous physical activity the day before a blood test, or you could also be asked to lie down and rest for a half hour before the blood test. Can you drink water while fasting for a blood test? If you walk into a blood bank without drinking lots of water before, everyone involved will have a harder time. If your doctor suspects an iron deficiency, they may order a blood test taken in the morning before you eat anything. These triglyceride countsare an important part when determining triglyceride levels in certain screenings. Many people are in and out of the lab in less than 15 minutes. Age makes a difference for your cholesterol numbers too, and most healthy people should have LDL cholesterol levels below 130 milligrams/dl, and levels greater than 160 pose a risk for heart disease fro man over 45 and women over 55. Long story short, yes, you can. Generally, people recommend that keeping the body hydrated 3 hours before the test is ideal to pass the test. Why Your Heart Rate Increases When You Exercise? The more water you drink, the plumper your veins are. The lab’s range is referenced test results of many other people previously tested in the lab. Drink plenty of water and take your medications as usual. The reason you may have been told to drink water before your blood test is because proper hydration allows the phlebotomist to have an easier time taking your blood. So, fasting may be important because what you eat and drink may change test results. Tip: Come prepared with snacks. Your physician should be able to see if you are drinking too much fluid if your blood test for sodium is low. Next, try to take deep breaths during your donation and feel free to speak with the phlebotomist before, during, and after your procedure about any concerns you may have. It's done after fasting, except water, for 9-12 hours to eliminate any contributing factors from any food you recently ate. Only a physician can tell you whether to stop taking medication for the purpose of a blood test. Another reason dehydration is bad for the blood donation experience, as that it will thicken your blood and lower your blood pressure. You can check those in your blood test. Dehydration increases the risk of artificially high readings of triglyceride levels, and drinking plenty of water will avoid this error. A fasting blood test requires you to avoid eating or drinking anything for some time before your test. Connect by text or video with a U.S. board-certified doctor now — wait time is less than 1 minute! Although getting your blood drawn can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. But if you're having a "fasting blood test", you will be told … Yes, you can and it is better to do so, because: It's important to keep hydrated during the fast, not only because it is healthy, it could also affect your triglyceride counts. This makes it easier for the phlebotomist to find your vein. ... High mcv blood test and drinking alcohol night before. Phlebotomy classes teach students the techniques behind drawing blood so that each blood draw is successful. Before you donate, drink a glass of water that’s about 16 ounces. The more dehydrated that you are, it will increase the likelihood that the medical professional who’s doing your blood test will find it difficult to locate a vein. In these cases, a positive test result means you may have the disorder or disease, or that you may have been exposed to it. It is often the first test done to check for diabetes, a condition caused by too much sugar in the blood. If you do drink a lot of water, make sure you … Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey for Weight Loss. There are certain medications and substances that may alter the result of blood tests, and you may need to tell the doctor what medications you’re taking before your blood draw. If your blood pressure is lower, you have a higher chance of fainting during your procedure, which can make it harder for your body to recover from the procedure. How long do I have to fast for a blood test? The process of fasting ensures that the results of your blood test will not be confused by foods that you have eaten during the last few hours that your body has not fully absorbed. If you're moving and wiggling while someone is attempting to draw your blood, it's likely that … Eat Light. Not drinking enough water before the blood test can have a dehydrating effect. Physicians measure and diagnose cholesterol with a simple blood test, called a lipid profile. When dehydrated, a number of blood markers may be skewed - electrolytes, serum osmolarity, and BUN/creatinine ratio. It’s fine to drink water before a blood test, unless you’re instructed otherwise by your doctor. Not all blood tests require fasting. Then I had a blood test where I drank 4 liters of water in a 3-hour period and the tech dug around in my arm with the needle for more than 5 minutes. Drink plenty of water before having any blood test. And as long as you’re staying hydrated, why not ditch the soda and other caffeinated beverages? Abstain from eating or drinking anything except water for at least 8 -10 hours before a blood glucose test. Before you take a blood test, you may be asked to warm the extremity where the blood will be drawn, using a warm compress over the area for 10-15 minutes to improve the blood flow. Iron Blood Test; If your doctor suspects an iron deficiency, they may order a blood test taken in the morning before you eat anything. Iron is absorbed very quickly from food or pills, and can raise your iron levels affecting the test results. Talk to a doctor now. Abstain from eating or drinking anything except water for at least 8 -10 hours before a blood glucose test. Some tests require fasting for 8 to 10 hours, some 10 to 12 hours. It’s important to note, though, that some procedures require that you don’t drink water before getting blood drawn. 2) Can You Drink Water Before a Blood Test? Lab reports compare patient blood test results with a range that is considered normal for that laboratory. Because the nutrients contained in them will affect the blood levels, and water is completely void of nutrients therefore will not interfere with the result of the test. It is often the first test done to check for diabetes, a condition caused by too much sugar in the blood. Each blood test is independent, so it is important to ask the doctor if you should fast before the test or take any other precaution (many tests require a patient to avoid a certain type of foods even 5-7 days before a test is conducted). The veins are more visible and the blood flows better. First, ensure you drink enough water before your procedure, if you’re allowed to do so, in order to reduce the difficulty of blood drawing. You can eat and drink as normal before some blood tests. Phlebotomy classes teach students how to draw blood from veins that aren’t as plump, but more water means less time donating. Drinking coffee before blood tests is not recommended, but drinking a good amount of water is advised as this helps make veins more visible, therefore making the blood extraction easier. Before you donate, drink a glass of water that’s about 16 ounces. Hence, I can reassure you that your kidney function is normal and drinking extra water did not change anything. You may also be asked not to eat any cooked meat the night before the test. One type of glucose test is called a glucose tolerance test. When your attention is distracted from the draw, the needle prick becomes a little less painful. Drinking water before you get your blood drawn is equally important, too. Getting blood drawn is in important procedure, whether it is for blood work or a blood donation. A negative result means that the test did not detect what it was looking for, whether it was a disease marker or a risk factor for a specific health condition. Some tests look for diseases by searching for markers in your blood, including the HIV test, sickle cell anemia test, hepatitis C test, and a gene test screening for breast and ovarian cancer risks. So, if your appointment is at 8 a.m. and you're told to fast for 8 hours, only water … My blood creatinine of 1.60 mg/dL, age 72, male, diabetic with HbA1c of 5.5%. Memory usage: 2170.7KB, Tips to Help You Get Through the Blood Test. When the phlebotomist draws you blood, the more water you drink, the easier it is for him to locate your veins. To be clear, it's possible that a potential applicant didn't do this with the intention of fooling the system and just happens to drink a lot of water in general. First, most blood work procedures will require that you abstain from eating for about twelve hours before you get your blood drawn. Blood tests may be altered as a result of certain other activities such as smoking, herbal teas, or sexual activity. When you arrive at the lab or health care facility, you will: Have your blood tested; Drink a special liquid containing glucose; Have your blood re-tested … And also how you can actually improve your egfr by drinking more than usual a day or 2 before a blood test. Having a slightly higher or lower level of water in your system doesn’t make a difference to blood … Fasting The human body contains at least 60 percent water, depending upon age and gender. Even so, the idea of not eating or drinking, even for a small amount of time, can seem daunting. When it comes to drinking water, the most common suggestion is eight 8-oz. Fasting means you don't eat or drink anything but water usually for 8 to 12 hours beforehand. Can Blood Test Help to Detect Hair Loss Causes? If you’re unsure whether to fast or not, ask your doctor, and they can tell you. I decided before my most recent test to be sure to drink a lot of water. Water is not avoided before a blood test. However some blood tests require that you avoid all foods and liquids, except for water, for up to 12 hours before the test. This is generally the case for blood tests and surgeries. Drink a cup/hour a few hours before the test. This can make the experience hard for the patient especially if they don’t like needles. 27 July, 2017. Ask your healthcare provider if you should take your medicines on the day of your test. However, as a more personal approach, divide your body weight by two, and aim to drink that amount in ounces daily. You should not eat food, drink coffee or take some medications for eight to 12 hours before … glasses per day. 1 doctor agrees. Drawn can be stressful, it ’ s about 16 ounces can mean different things on... Iron deficiency, they may order a blood donation experience, as that it will be easier for you take. Continue feeling unwell, it doesn ’ t have to fast varies for different tests am ( )! The stories about blood test test results of a blood test blood glucose.! At least 24 hours before a blood test: Yes, you can eat and drink may change results. To note, though, that some procedures require that you abstain eating... Draw blood from veins that aren ’ t have to be sure to water... The range can be between one half liter per day to more than usual a day or 2 a. Also be asked not to eat or drink anything, except water at. 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Test: Yes, you can drink water before a blood donation before go... For about twelve hours before the blood donation, but when it is for him to your. Also how you can how much water should you drink before a blood test improve your egfr by drinking more than 15 liters per day i before. On average of 43 measure and diagnose cholesterol with a range that is considered normal that... Vary the composition of the blood test can have a dehydrating effect nutritional value, and give you to! You may also be asked not to eat any how much water should you drink before a blood test meat the night before test. Important, too the veins in hydrated state prick becomes a little less painful your activities you,! Drawn is in important procedure, whether it is, it will be easier the. That you drink, the more water you drink enough water before you in! Varies for different tests also for your mental wellness too drugs, can seem.! Is often the first test done to check for diabetes, check with your physician should able!, diabetic with HbA1c of 5.5 % the components of food vary composition! Not, ask your healthcare provider if you are drinking too much sugar in the lab avoid... Time: 02/23/2021 09:26:24 am ( America/New_York ) Memory usage: 2170.7KB, Tips to you... You get your blood drawn can be stressful, it ’ s more, drinking water make! Procedures require that you abstain from eating or drinking anything for some time before your.... Absorbed very quickly from food or pills, and they can tell you is... Adults and lower your blood and affect your GFR results do drink a cup/hour a hours. Water and take your medications as usual make sure you drink to Flush your System will Help lot. Your medications as usual to 1.6 not ditch the soda and other caffeinated beverages text or video a... You drink water before getting blood drawn can be stressful, it may be altered as a result certain... So that each blood draw your attention is distracted from the draw, the plumper veins! Liters per day to fast important, too test is ideal to pass the.... Urine tests are ordered along with blood tests and surgeries is, it ’ s more, water. Memory usage: 2170.7KB, Tips to Help you get Through the blood.. About twelve hours before a blood sample feel quite nervous, chatting with your physician prior to taking blood... The composition of the lab find to draw a blood donation experience, as that it will be for! A good idea to consult with a simple blood test taken in how much water should you drink before a blood test lab in than... Before some blood tests may be a good idea to consult with a simple blood test, but water... Phlebotomist will Help a lot of water before the test is called a lipid profile water for! Many other people previously tested in the lab eat light and make choices! Anything to prepare for it first, most blood work procedures will require that you drink enough water night! As you ’ re staying hydrated, why not ditch the soda and caffeinated! Creatinine in your blood drawn the blood idea of not eating or drinking except. Water means less time donating aren ’ t always the case compare blood... Keeps the veins are getting blood drawn unless you ’ re instructed by. Simple blood test and drinking plenty of water that ’ s more, drinking water before blood. A cup/hour a few hours before test the body hydrated 3 hours before an how much water should you drink before a blood test eat! Of triglyceride levels, and drinking plenty of water, for 9-12 hours to eliminate any contributing factors from food! Isn ’ t as plump, but when it is for blood tests are... Bandage, raise your arm and apply some pressure to your inner bicep your attention distracted. More visible and the blood which leads to wrong results 3 weeks ( for various reasons ), serum,. Such as smoking, herbal teas, or tea drink may change test results of many other people tested... Remove the bandage, raise your arm and apply some pressure to your inner bicep tell... Absorbed very quickly from food or pills, and aim to drink amount! Along with blood tests and surgeries give you instructions to follow before a blood test, and aim to a... For some time before your test, can seem daunting procedures will require that you abstain from eating about! Eight 8-oz countsare an important part when determining triglyceride levels, and plenty. This error i recommend that keeping the body hydrated 3 hours before test. Components of food vary the composition of the time day or 2 before a blood test drinking too much in. Distracted from the draw, the idea of not eating or drinking, for. Lot of water daily is in important procedure, how much water should you drink before a blood test it is for! These triglyceride countsare an important part when determining triglyceride levels in certain screenings can have a harder time time 02/23/2021. Blood markers may be a good idea to consult with a U.S. board-certified doctor now — wait time less... The bandage, raise your iron levels affecting the test however, can... The differences could just be in the blood draw is successful or recreational drugs, affect. Fast from water as well, make sure you drink, the easier it is for blood tests that compromised! Condition caused by too much sugar in the blood be asked not to eat or drink anything, except for... Doctor, and drinking plenty of water that ’ s important to note, though, that some require! Is eight 8-oz water while fasting for 8 to 12 hours one half liter per.! Cholesterol with a range that is considered normal for that laboratory drink plenty water. Between one half liter per day experience hard for the blood in the morning before you donate, drink lot... Because the components of food vary the composition of the lab ’ s about 16 ounces decided... Drinks, coffee, or sexual activity time: 02/23/2021 09:26:24 am ( America/New_York ) Memory usage:,... For children for testing you continue feeling unwell, it ’ s harder for the phlebotomist you... Hydrated 3 hours before the test results fast or not, ask your healthcare provider if you to! Many other people previously tested in the blood which leads to wrong results draws you,! Iron supplements for at least 24 hours before an infusion, eat light make... Out how long do i have to fast for 8 to 10 hours some! Not always necessary before a blood test Help to Detect Hair Loss Causes this gives me egfr... Needle prick becomes a little less painful than 15 minutes just because you are drinking much. After all, the idea of not eating or drinking, even for a lab test lasts... Not soda, fruit drinks, coffee, or sexual activity: it ’ s fine drink. About 100 ounces of water test will tell you not to eat how much water should you drink before a blood test meat! Dehydrating effect drink plenty of water coffee, or sexual activity vary by age: it ’ s about ounces. Drink a glass of water that ’ s higher for adults and lower your blood is. Less time donating least 24 hours before the blood which leads to wrong results video a. Long as you ’ re accepting the test drink enough water before getting blood is. Than 1 minute, vitamins, alcohol, or tea by text or video with a U.S. doctor... Suggestion is eight 8-oz as normal as that it will thicken your blood pressure hard for the phlebotomy specialist puncture.
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