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Fasting blood test

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By Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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A fasting blood test is a blood sample taken from a person who has not eaten for 9 to 12 hours. Usually, the blood sample is taken early in the morning.

Examples of blood tests that may be done after a period of fasting include fasting blood sugar (fasting plasma glucose) and lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides).

Author:Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 07/25/2007

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