Why no ETOH before cholest. draw?

[MNmom3boys]

DH just told me he was asked to abstain from ETOH for 72 hours before his cholesterol test. (along w/ others I assume - yearly physical) This was a new request to me, although I have had several cholest. draws done myself. I knew one of my well-informed colleagues here would be able to explain the rationale to me. Anyone learned why this is a prerequisite, along with normal NPO, etc.? Thanks for the info!

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

Pt have to be NPO for at least 12 hours before the test (I have neve heard of 72 hrs and I have been drawing blood for five years) except water (in fact, drink water, deyhdrated veins are hard to draw) because it will screw up the test. They want a base line. If every one is fasting it is easier to come up with basic values people must meet to be 'in range'. If you have food or EOTH in your system it changes the values, for anything you eat. Your Chols levels will be different tomorrow from what they are now just from what you eat.

Fasting before you go in for blood work gives the doctor a true picture of how the blood looks before it has to do its job. If your lipid levels are high in a fasting state, that means you are at risk for high cholesterol and all of the health problems it can cause.

[TiredMD]

Alcohol causes a transient increase in your trigylceride levels. I have traditionally heard 24hrs as the cutoff prior to a test, but I guess your lab is little more conservative.

[lorita]

I've never been told to obstain fro ETOH 72 hours prior. Last time I had mine checked I had 2 glasses of wine the night before but it was 12 hours before my test as instruted. I don't think it raised my triglycerides sine my level was only 44.

[TiredMD]

I've never been told to obstain fro ETOH 72 hours prior. Last time I had mine checked I had 2 glasses of wine the night before but it was 12 hours before my test as instruted. I don't think it raised my triglycerides sine my level was only 44.

Holy crap, that's fantastic!

[Mulan]

Mine was only 22 one time, why I don't know.

[MNmom3boys]

Thanks! I knew I'd get answer here! I knew/understood NPO status for 12 hours prior - 72 hr ETOH restrictions were new to me. You learn something new every day!

[morte, LPN, LVN]

Alcohol causes a transient increase in your trigylceride levels. I have traditionally heard 24hrs as the cutoff prior to a test, but I guess your lab is little more conservative.

my thought had been that ETOH was a solute.....saw pat. in te ED once, his blood looked like pureed chicken fat, with a little blood mixed in.....the lab called to ask WHAT the specimen was.....patient was, i think in the 300's on the ETOH scale........