How to Prepare for a Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)

How many hours to fast

Don't eat or drink anything except still water for 8–12 hours before the sample is taken — it's worth confirming the exact time with your own laboratory.

Best time for the test

It's most convenient to have the test done in the morning, when most of the fasting hours pass while you're asleep.

Step by step

• A few days before: for 1–2 days before the test, eat less fatty and fried food and avoid alcohol. If there's a celebration planned the evening before, it's better to postpone the test by a few days.
• The day before: avoid alcohol and intense physical exertion — they can affect the concentration of some substances in the blood, including fats.
• The morning of the test: don't eat or drink anything except still water. Coffee, tea and juice — even without sugar — are not allowed on the day of the test, as they can affect the result.
• Right before the sample: don't smoke for an hour before the test. Before the sample is taken, it's worth sitting quietly for 10–15 minutes and not exercising, since physical exertion and stress can affect the result.
• During the sample: chewing gum, smoking and physical activity during the fasting period and while the sample is being taken are not recommended, as they can affect the accuracy of the test.
• After the sample: press on the puncture site for about 5 minutes, and don't remove the plaster before an hour has passed. Avoid heavy work and intense exercise so a bruise doesn't form at the puncture site.

Medicines and supplements

Tell the laboratory staff or your doctor about any medicines and supplements you're taking — for example, iron preparations or vitamin D supplements, which can affect the results of some tests. Don't stop doctor-prescribed medicines on your own — discuss whether to take them before the test with your doctor or the laboratory staff.

What happens if you don't follow the instructions

Eating and drinking raises the level of fats in the blood, so the results for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides can be inaccurate and give a misleading picture of your health. Results can also be affected by a diet high in saturated fat, smoking, excess weight, low physical activity and stress. If you accidentally ate or drank something before the test, tell the laboratory staff — the test may need to be postponed.