Cholesterol And Triglycerides Tests: How To Prepare

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How To Prepare

Preparation depends on the test. Ask your doctor which test you are having. For example, you can get a total cholesterol test or direct LDL test at any time, even if you recently had a meal or a snack. But you will likely not eat for a few hours before a test that measures LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

• If your doctor tells you to fast before your test, do not eat or drink anything except water for 9 to 12 hours before having your blood drawn. Usually, you are allowed to take your medicines with water the morning of the test. Fasting is not always necessary, but it may be recommended.
• Do not eat high-fat foods the night before the test.
• Do not drink alcohol or exercise strenuously before the test.

Many medicines may affect the results of this test. Be sure to tell your health professional about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines and herbs or natural substances you take.

Tell your health professional if you have had a test such as a thyroid or bone scan that uses a radioactive substance within the last 7 days.

Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .

Last updated:	September 13, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer