How Long Do I Have To Fast I Am Anemic Will That Make Me More Anemic?

Posted on Sun, 4 Apr 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 Apr 2021 Answered on

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I have to have blood drawn for a CBC, Metabolic panel, Vitamin D, Iron and TIBC, Ferritin, and HBA1c tests. I am anemic will that make me more anemic? Also how long do I have to fast ? Is 8 hours enough ?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (-2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No it won't make it anemic

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

Blood drawing for sampling draws only a miniscule amount compared to total body blood, so it won't certainly make you more anemic.

If there's a lipid profile involved, we advise 12 hrs fasting but for others, 8 hrs should suffice.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad