8 hour fast before routine blood work? (diabetic, doctor, effects, cholesterol)

[Live-life]

My doctor's office told me to fast for 8 hours before coming in for routine annual physical exam with blood + urine tests being done but everything I'm reading on internet is saying 12 hrs fasting is the right amount of time.. anybody have thoughts on that?

[Pikantari]

Usually they say nothing after midnight the night before, and in my opinion, that is assuming you are coming first thing in the morning for your labs.

[reed303]

Mine have always been 8 -10 hours. WebMD says "at least" 8 hours. Blood Glucose Levels: Testing and Normal Range
Probably by then the effects of last meal have leveled off and more time makes no difference. (except you're hungrier longer

[nmnita]

just don't eat or drink anything except water and black coffee after midnight: that might be 8 hours, 10 or even 12. It probably isn't going to make much difference.

[Felix C]

I just had my annual physical this week. Blood drawn at 915am no food past 9pm the night before. So 12 hours of fasting. Has always been this way with this Dr.

[wit-nit]

I go for a general blood test next week, 12 hours is my fasting time.

[Draconess]

from what I have seen usually it is 8 to 9 hours for fasting glucose levels and 12 hours if they are testing cholesterol, unless you are a diabetic then you only fast for the 8 to 9 hours for cholesterol as well.

[brokencrayola]

I get blood work done 3-5 times a year and am always asked to fast for 12 hours before.

[Holly Wortman]

I was a bit worried because only fasted 11 hours, not 12 for CBC ( blood sugar is tested here) and lipid (cholesterol is tested here) panel for a physical. Had TSH and Hep B titer done as well, but don't think these would be effected because they are not fasting.