Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test

A blood sugar test is a simple and safe test used to measure the level of glucose in the blood. Fasting before blood sugar tests is mandatory to ensure accurate test results. You may be asked to keep fasting for 8 to 12 hours before the blood sugar level test. Having foods and beverages can cause the patient’s sugar level to spike, and it affects the test results. So, fasting is required to assess the correct blood sugar level. Yet, it is wise to consult your doctor first to determine the exact duration of fasting for a blood sugar test.

Having too less or too high a glucose level in the blood can be a sign of a severe health issue. A high glucose level is a symptom of diabetes, which leads to further complications like kidney failure, blindness, and heart disease, while low blood sugar levels can cause brain damage if not taken the right steps to balance. The fasting blood sugar test checks whether the sugar level is in the healthy range or not. If the result shows an abnormal report, the other tests like HbA1c test, glucose urine test, oral glucose tolerance test, and glucose postprandial 2 Hours are advised for the patients.

Fasting before a blood test means one needs to avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 8 to 12 hours. So, yes, you can drink plain water. In fact, it is good to have water before the fasting sugar test, as it can make it easier to draw blood and keeps the body hydrated. However, it is best to speak to your doctor about any doubts and questions related to fasting. It is also good to follow the instructions given by the lab staff after booking the test.

It starts with a healthcare professional who ties a tourniquet or an elastic band around the patient's upper arm. S/he will check for veins below the elbow or the wrist. The professional will take a swab and clean the area once the vein is found. To draw the blood in the vacutainer, s/he will insert a needle into the vein. Once the sufficient blood sample is collected, s/he will take out the needle and will put an adhesive bandage on the pricked spot. It completes the sampling procedure for this test. The Fasting sugar or FBS test is available at a reasonable cost at all leading diagnostic centres in India.

It is a simple test, so no special preparation is required. However, you have to fast for 8 to 10 hours before the test. Also, if you are taking any medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs, it is good to inform your healthcare professional about the same. Certain medications can affect the result of the fasting blood glucose test, so you must keep the doctor informed beforehand. The doctor may ask you to stop taking some specific medicines before the test.

It is a common, simple, and safe test to assess health conditions and detect diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes. The fasting blood sugar test has no risks or side effects at all. However, you may feel swelling, soreness, or bruising in the area from where the blood sample is taken. Bruising generally goes away within a few days. If not, there may be a risk of infection, and it needs medical attention. So, in case of persistent swelling for more than 3 days, it is wise to visit a doctor.

Normally, the results of a fasting sugar test are out on the same day, within a few hours of taking the test, or in some cases, the next day. If the test is done in the lab, at a doctor’s clinic, or at the patient’s home, results may come between 24 and 72 hours. Labs take time to ensure error-free reports for the best diagnosis and treatment. At Max Lab, you can book the best fasting sugar test and get a fast and accurate result. It will help you monitor and manage diabetes better.

The price of the Fasting Blood Sugar Test may differ from city to city. Below are our cities of service with the FBS test price near you: