Do I need to fast for blood tests during a pre-employment medical examination?
Blood tests during pre-employment medical examinations usually require fasting.
Pre-employment medical checkups typically include multiple tests such as liver function, kidney function, blood tests, and routine urine analysis. Fasting is generally required for liver and kidney function tests because eating may cause abnormal liver function indicators and affect the accuracy of test results. Therefore, fasting is usually necessary when having blood drawn for a pre-employment physical. These exams are commonly conducted in the morning, so it's advisable to avoid hard-to-digest foods the night before and refrain from drinking water on the morning of the exam to prevent interference with test results.
Pre-employment medical examinations can help screen for infectious diseases, assess general health status, and determine whether an individual is physically suited for the job. If a person has an infectious disease, they may pose a risk to other employees and therefore may not be considered suitable for employment.
In addition, after completing the blood draw, individuals may drink water appropriately and consume some food to replenish energy and prevent hypoglycemia caused by prolonged fasting, which could otherwise affect health.