Fasting Guidelines for Accurate Results
Course Objectives
- Define fasting and explain its role in ensuring accurate laboratory results.
- Identify the standard fasting guidelines, including duration, permitted intake, and medication considerations.
- Recognize special considerations for fasting in children, pregnant patients, older adults, and patients with cultural or lifestyle needs.
- Implement best practices for phlebotomists to ensure patient comfort, accurate results, and compliance with facility guidelines.
Course Content
Course Creator: Adriana Alley CMA, CET / Kirsten Hermens NCMA-P
Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour
Pace Course #: 586-2314-25
Course Overview: This article discusses what fasting for blood draws means, as well as its importance in ensuring laboratory results are accurate and patients are treated appropriately. It explains the standard fasting guidelines, including duration and permitted intake, while also emphasizing common tests that require patients to fast. The article also goes over strategies for patient education, methods for verifying fasting status in patients, and what consequences non-fasting has on the results of fasting blood. Lastly, it goes over different fasting scenarios, as well as the best practices for phlebotomists regarding fasting blood work.
References:
- Fasting for a blood test. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/fasting-for-a-blood-test/
- Professional, C. C. M. (2025, February 18). Fasting blood sugar test. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21952-fasting-blood-sugar
- Glucose screening tests during pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007562.htm
- Professional, C. C. M. (2025b, July 28). Lipid panel. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17176-lipid-panel
- Professional, C. C. M. (2024, October 25). Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22020-basic-metabolic-panel-bmp
- Hypoglycemia - Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
- Hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar). (2025, July 22). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11647-hypoglycemia-low-blood-sugar?
