These activities can also affect your results. But you can drink water. It's actually good to drink water before a blood test. It helps keep more fluid in your veins, which can make it easier to draw blood.
Water Does Not Impact Blood Test Results
Some tests will require you to eat nothing at all, but in most cases, you will be allowed to drink water. Water can actually help with the blood test Dr. Krajcik says.
The healthcare professional arranging your test will tell you if you need to do anything to prepare for it. You can eat and drink as normal before some blood tests. But if you're having a "fasting blood test", you will be told not to eat or drink anything (other than water) beforehand.
Fasting before blood work means you shouldn't eat or drink anything except water for at least eight hours before a blood test. For some tests, you may need to fast for 12 hours. Ask your health care provider how long to fast before your blood test if you're unsure.
When you drink a glass of water, it takes approximately 15 minutes for your body to absorb the fluid. However, when you're dehydrated, it can take about three times as long (45 minutes) for fluids to make their way from the stomach into the bloodstream and to the rest of the body.
Q: Can you drink water before a fasting blood test? A: Yes. You can drink as much water as you want, but it should be plain. Avoid lemon-flavored and carbonated waters, as well as teas until after your test.
Water does not affect the results of a blood test and is acceptable to drink when a person needs to fast. Timings: Whether a person has to fast for 8, 12, or 24 hours, it is a good idea to work out what is the latest time they can eat or drink before the test.
A person should follow their doctor's recommendation regarding fasting. In cases where a doctor does recommend fasting before a cholesterol test, this often means that the person must refrain from all food and drink except water for 9–12 hours before the test.
This effectively means you can only have water whilst fasting for a blood test. We encourage you to drink plenty of water prior to your test. FOR ALL PATIENTS: Unless you have been specifically instructed to do so you should keep taking ALL your medications at the appropriate time.
Fasting blood sugar is a simple, common blood test to diagnose prediabetes, diabetes or gestational diabetes. Before the test, you shouldn't have anything to eat or drink (except water) for 8 to 12 hours. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need a fasting blood glucose test.
Drinking water before a fasting blood sugar test can actually decrease blood sugar levels, or at least prevent levels from getting too high. Water allows more glucose to be flushed out of the blood. When you're dehydrated, it means your overall blood volume is lower than normal, but your sugars will be the same.
Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more.
May I brush my teeth? Yes, brushing your teeth is permitted unless otherwise indicated by your physician, assuming you do not use large amounts of toothpaste and swallow the lather.
Unlike food or some beverages, water can be “digested” in as little as five minutes or up to a few hours, depending on whether your stomach is full or empty. The excess water leaves the body through urine, feces, sweat, and when you exhale.
Because the bladder can only hold so much fluid volume, increasing water intake will increase the frequency of urination, and may make people with an overactive bladder more likely to leak. If you have overactive bladder (OAB), more fluid intake typically equals more trips to the bathroom.
If you accidentally slip up (we've all made a cup of coffee half-asleep before), or felt unwell and needed to consume something, tell your doctor or the person taking your blood right away. They will need to know what you consumed and when you consumed it as it will impact how they can interpret your test results.
You usually need to fast for 8–12 hours before a test. Most tests that require fasting are scheduled for early in the morning. That way, most of your fasting time will be overnight.
Do not eat and do not drink juice, tea, or coffee, especially with sugar, 10-16 hours prior to blood tests (depends on the type of test). Drink water only. 3. Eat less greasy and fried food and do not drink alcohol 1-2 days prior to the test.
Ideally, start drinking more fluids the day before your blood draw, and continue to drink water before you have your blood drawn. Excessive amounts aren't necessary; most sources ecommend that an adult drink 64 ounces of water per day for good health, which is more than adequate for having your blood drawn.