Is it necessary to fast before getting a health certificate?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, I am going to apply for a health certificate next week. I heard that some medical examinations are required for the health certificate, but I am not very clear about the procedures and precautions. I would like to ask, is fasting required when applying for a health certificate?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei
It is usually required to fast when obtaining a health certificate. This is mainly because the examination items for the health certificate may include liver function tests. Liver function tests require blood sampling and analysis; eating can alter the composition of blood, such as affecting indicators like blood glucose and blood lipids, which may interfere with the accuracy of liver function indicators, leading to deviations in the results and preventing a true reflection of liver health status.
In addition, in some regions, obtaining a health certificate may also involve abdominal ultrasound examinations. After eating, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile for digestion, and food residue may accumulate in the intestines, which can affect the ultrasound observation of abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.
To ensure reliable examination results, it is recommended to fast for 8–12 hours before obtaining the health certificate, starting from around 10 p.m. on the previous day. This way, accurate data can be obtained during examinations the next day, allowing for successful completion of the health certificate process.
However, the examination items for health certificates may vary by region, so it is advisable to consult the local issuing agency in advance for confirmation.
