What should a patient do before undergoing LDL and HDL testing?

Before undergoing LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) testing, it is essential for a patient to fast for a specific period, typically around 12 hours. This fasting period ensures that the measurements of these lipoproteins in the blood are accurate and not influenced by recent dietary intake.

Fasting helps to eliminate any impact that newly ingested fats or proteins may have on lipid levels, providing a clearer representation of the patient’s baseline cholesterol levels. When a person consumes food, particularly meals high in fats or carbohydrates, it can temporarily alter lipid levels in the bloodstream, which could lead to misleading results.

Drinking water is generally encouraged to prevent dehydration, but it does not replace the need for fasting. Eating a high-fat meal prior to testing would interfere with the accuracy of the test results. While patients are often advised to continue taking medications as usual, this is typically more relevant for medication management rather than influencing the testing itself. Thus, fasting is the most critical step to ensure an accurate lipid profile assessment.