Blood draws are generally quick and painless, but it's normal to feel a bit anxious.
With InsideTracker, you'll be in good hands. You'll meet with a professional—called a phlebotomist—to draw your blood either at a lab or in your home. This person is an expert, and they'll make sure your draw is smooth.
That said, you do want to show up prepared. For accurate test results, there are a few guidelines you should follow.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of your test.
*If you’re getting lab work done through your doctor, please make sure to follow their instructions. This article is for those who purchased a test through InsideTracker.
7 things to know to prepare for your blood draw
1. Fast for 12 hours before the blood draw
To get the most accurate biomarker measurements from your blood draw, be sure to fast for at least 12 hours before your test.
During this time, all food and most beverages are off the table. But you can still drink black coffee, and water is encouraged.
2. Schedule your blood draw for the morning
Most people schedule their test for the morning since it's easier to fast overnight.
In addition, some biomarkers—like cortisol, glucose, and testosterone—are best measured early in the day, too.
3. Avoid strenuous exercise for two days
Strenuous exercise can temporarily spike your liver enzymes, creatine kinase, and hsCRP. These biomarkers are involved in muscle breakdown and inflammation, so it's best you avoid exercise for at leas two days before your blood draw.
If you're a beginner weightlifter, you should extend this period to about seven days.
4. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours
Blood sugar (glucose), fat (triglyceride), and the liver enzyme GGT can go off the charts fast if you're drinking alcohol before your blood test. So we recommend you avoid it for at least 24 hours beforehand.
5. Do not take supplements within 24 hours
Taking supplements can also acutely impact some of your biomarkers. Similar to our recommendation for alcohol, we suggest refraining from supplements for a full 24 hours so that nothing lingers in your blood and your levels reflect an accurate baseline for your body.
For those who receive vitamin or mineral IV infusions, keep in mind that this will cause blood levels to remain elevated for a few months. If you're supplementing with Biotin supplement, refrain from taking it for at least 72 hours before your test.
Read more: Everything You Should Know About Taking Supplements
6. Continue medication as recommended by your physician
While it’s a good idea to avoid supplements before your blood draw, medication is a different story. Continue following your physician’s recommendations for both over-the-counter and prescription meds.
Note: Although some pain relievers like ibuprofen and NSAIDs can temporarily affect liver enzymes (GGT) and platelet count, stopping your medication without consulting your physician can be harmful.
7. Drink extra water before the test
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health, and it's especially important when preparing for a blood test.
Water increases blood volume, so when you're hydrated, your phlebotomist will have an easier time finding your veins and drawing your blood quickly.
Time for your blood draw
By following these steps, your blood draw will be a breeze. Make sure to set a reminder on your phone to ensure you don't miss your appointment, and if you're testing at a blood lab, grab a photo ID—that's all you need.
InsideTracker takes the hassle out of blood testing by handling everything else beforehand. You've already paid for the test, so there's no need to worry about payments on the day. Plus, they'll have all the necessary insurance details ready for the phlebotomist.
Now, relax and know your blood draw will be a smooth and efficient experience.
