Can You Eat Before A Blood Test?

What is a Blood Test and Can You Eat Before a Blood Test?  

Blood tests are a common method for health professionals to assess your general health, check for infections, evaluate how well vital organs such as your liver and kidney are working and screen for genetic conditions.

It usually takes around one week to receive blood tests results, however, wait times can be longer or shorter dependant on what your blood is being tested for. Find out here if you can eat before a blood test.

Can you Eat Before a Blood Test?

The healthcare professional who arranges your blood test will tell you whether there are any specific instructions you need to follow before your test as different types of tests require different types of preparation.

You will know whether or not you can eat before your blood test by looking at the type of blood test you are having/the instructions on your letter from your doctor. If you are having a ‘fasting blood test’, you shouldn’t eat or drink anything (except for water) before your test.

Some common examples of fasting blood tests are;

• Iron blood tests, which are given to test for iron deficiency anaemia. These tests require you to fast for 12 hours beforehand.
• Fasting blood glucose tests are used to test for diabetes. These blood tests require you to fast for 8-10 hours before the test.

What Happens After a Blood Test?

Most patients do not feel any after effects of having blood taken, however, some people may feel dizzy or faint. If you have felt faint in a previous blood test, it is worth letting the nurse know as she may be able to take your blood while you are in a more comfortable position. You may also want to bring a couple of sugary treats such as biscuits with you to help get your blood sugar up after the test.

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