Fasting blood test

downshifter

My doctor has sent me for one of these, there's nothing apparently wrong, on the contrary I feel fighting fit, it's just part of a general age-related checkup. However I wondered if anyone knows what they test for? She mentioned thyroid and cholesterol, but ticked lots of boxes on her screen besides those 2.

As the test isn't for a couple of weeks, is there anything I can do between now and then to minimise the chance of anything coming back positive or in need of treatment? I'm applying for jobs and the medical often asks if you've had treatment or been tested for anything that's needed following up. So for example, will cutting down fats make any difference to the cholesterol in 2 weeks?

Any advice would be great, thanks. I don't know much about medical stuff so a bit in the dark about what's involved.

DS

esio_trot

not a medical professional but I would imagine from past experience that fasting blood tests will be to check your blood/glucose levels and your cholesterol.

As for changing your diet, anything you do to be healthier will likely have an impact on the outcome of a test, though given that it is only 2 weeks away, it may not change the outcome/any investigations needed significantly. I'm really not sure about how much of an effect it's likely to have.

Little_Vics

I had one a while back - nothing to worry about at all. Incidentally, mine was first thing in the morning so most of my 'fast' was while I was asleep - bonus!

jimexbox

They usually test for liver and kidney function.

I always ask my Dr what they are testing for, and ask them explain why. I also go through the results thoroughly too. Knowledge is power.

Mojisola

The blood test that's done for diabetes shows your levels for the last three months so you can't affect that one in two weeks.

belfastgirl23

Not being funny but why would you want to change the outcome of the tests? If there's something wrong there then surely you'd be best off knowing about it? or maybe I picked up up wrong?

For info, it takes ten working days for results to come back in our practice.

downshifter

Thanks to everyone.

Belfastgirl23 - if there's something wrong then obviously I want to know and to have treatment and advice, but if for example, eating double chocolate double tiramisu cake in the week up to the test is likely to increase a reading then I'd like to know and stay off it! If it's not likely to make any difference then I'll carry on as normal. I don't want to give any temporarily skewed readings and have to put them on a medical form for a job - if it is only temporary that is.

And jimexbox, yes I completely agree, but as I haven't seen anyone medical for 10 yrs or maybe more, other than a smear test, I was completely thrown and unprepared when it was suggested. Certainly I'll go through the results thoroughly.

Someone else has suggested that GPs get paid a bonus for doing MOT tests for over 40s - is that right? It's no bad idea but might explain why this was suggested out of the blue with no symptoms.

Thanks again

DS

pmduk

When I was diagnosed with diabetes it took me ages to get my head around all the tests, things like FBC, U&Es, CKs, LFTs A1c and many many more. They will all help to give a good general guide to your health. If you must know what they all mean, google a website called Lab Tests online uk for a useful guide to these and all medical tests.

pmduk

It's a shame that they call these measurements tests as it implies pass and/or fail. I used to get stressed before such events until I was able to appreciate the helpful nature of the results.

Greylocks

For info, it takes ten working days for results to come back in our practice.

For basic tests such as been mentioned results are normally released from most UK laboratories within 1-2 working days.

viktory

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

For info, it takes ten working days for results to come back in our practice.

:eek: 4 working days to get the results of my tests.