What is fasting?
Fasting is when you don’t eat and/or drink for an extended period of time, typically before health screenings. For blood panels like the cholesterol (i.e., lipid) and glucose tests offered in the Reperio screening kit, fasting can help provide optimal and accurate results.
Fasting considerations for a preventive health screening
Benefits of fasting
When you fast before a blood panel, it allows for the ability to:
- Obtain a clear baseline measurement of your blood glucose and lipid levels.
- Reduce potential interference from recently consumed foods and drinks.
- Provide a more accurate assessment of your metabolic health.
How to fast
- Duration: Don’t eat or drink anything except water for 8 hours before your screening
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What to avoid:
- Food of any kind
- Beverages other than water (this includes coffee, tea, juice, soda, and alcohol)
- Chewing gum or mints
Important considerations
Some organizations that sponsor the use of a Reperio Health at-home health screening may require that you fast. The communications you receive from Reperio Health will notify you if fasting is required. Our mobile app will also prompt you to confirm you’ve fasted for 8 hours before resuming the screening process. For further questions about specific fasting guidelines, please contact the organization that sponsored your use of a Reperio kit.
Where to go for support and questions
- For general information about fasting: Reperio Health Support Team
- For specific benefit/screening requirements: The sponsor of your screening (i.e., you employer’s HR team, your wellness provider)
Other items to consider
- If you have any medical conditions, are taking medications, or have concerns about fasting, consult your healthcare provider before you begin your at-home health screening.