Which tests need fasting
At Helix, four listed tests need a fast: the lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, iron studies and the essential wellness panel. Others, such as a full blood count, HbA1c or thyroid panel, do not.
The catalogue marks every test that needs fasting, and the pickup booking only offers slots before 9am when one is in your list.
How long
Ten to twelve hours without food is the usual rule. Longer is not better: fasting for sixteen hours or more can change some results and leave you light-headed.
The easiest way is to finish dinner by 8pm and book a 6:30am to 8:30am slot.
Water, tea and medicines
Plain water is fine and helps, because it makes veins easier to find. Tea, coffee, juice, chewing gum and sweets are not, as they can change sugar and fat levels.
Keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor has told you otherwise. If you take medicine for diabetes, ask your doctor how to manage the fast safely.
If you forget
Tell the phlebotomist. We can move the slot to the next morning at no charge, or collect anyway and mark the sample non-fasting so your doctor can decide.