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📋Preparing for Your Appointment

Do I need to fast before my mobile blood draw?

Whether fasting is required depends on which tests your doctor ordered.

Tests that typically require fasting (8–12 hours):

  • Fasting glucose and insulin
  • Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
  • Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) — in some protocols
  • Triglycerides
  • Iron studies

    • Tests that do NOT require fasting:

  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Thyroid function (TSH, T4)
  • HbA1c (diabetes monitoring)
  • Most hormones
  • Vitamin levels
  • Infectious disease panels
  • Genetic testing

    • What you can do during a fasting window:

  • Drink plain water (encouraged — improves vein access)
  • Take most prescribed medications (ask your doctor)

    • What to avoid:

  • Food, juice, coffee, tea (even black coffee can affect some results)
  • Alcohol for 24 hours before a triglyceride test
  • Vigorous exercise before certain tests (can affect CBC)

    • If you are unsure whether to fast, contact your ordering physician or call the mobile phlebotomy service — they can confirm based on your requisition.

    How do I prepare for a mobile blood draw at home?Do I need a doctor's order for mobile phlebotomy?

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