Does Fasting Affect Blood Test Results for Hepatitis C Treatment?

Hepatitis C testing issues?

Doctor, I would like to ask you about my mother who has hepatitis C.
Today, she went to the hospital for a follow-up appointment to check her report, so she did not fast specifically for this visit.
Her attending physician arranged for blood tests required before starting the new hepatitis C medication, but she informed the doctor that she had not fasted (there was only about a five-hour interval from her last meal to the blood draw).
Nevertheless, the doctor still scheduled the blood test for that day.
My mother noticed that the blood test order indicated a requirement for a twelve-hour fast, and she is now worried that she did not communicate clearly with the doctor.
Due to work commitments, I was unable to accompany her.
I am also unsure about the specific blood tests required for the new hepatitis C treatment.
The ultrasound for liver stiffness has been scheduled separately for a later date when she can fast.
However, we are concerned that this opportunity for treatment might be jeopardized due to the blood test results.
Therefore, I would like to ask if not fasting will affect the blood test results.
Thank you.

Ms. Chen, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/12/23

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Testing the viral load in the blood does not require fasting.

Reply Date: 2019/12/23

More Info

Fasting before blood tests can indeed have an impact on the results, but the extent of this effect largely depends on the specific tests being conducted. In the case of hepatitis C treatment, the blood tests typically performed may include liver function tests, hepatitis C viral load tests, and possibly tests for liver fibrosis.
1. Liver Function Tests (LFTs): These tests measure the levels of enzymes and proteins in the blood that indicate how well the liver is functioning. Common tests include AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin. For these tests, fasting is generally not required, and eating prior to the test may not significantly alter the results.

2. HCV Viral Load Test: This test measures the amount of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the blood. Fasting is not necessary for this test either, and the results should remain accurate regardless of whether the patient has eaten.

3. Liver Fibrosis Assessment: If your mother is undergoing a non-invasive test to assess liver stiffness (like FibroScan), fasting is usually not required. However, if a liver biopsy or certain imaging tests are involved, specific instructions may vary.

In your mother’s case, since she had only a five-hour window between eating and the blood draw, it is unlikely that this short duration would significantly affect the results of the tests related to hepatitis C. Most importantly, the healthcare provider who ordered the tests would have considered this when interpreting the results.

If the blood test results are critical for starting treatment, and there is a concern about the accuracy due to the lack of fasting, it may be prudent to discuss this with her healthcare provider. They can clarify whether the results will be valid or if a repeat test is necessary.
In summary, while fasting can be important for certain blood tests (like glucose or lipid panels), for hepatitis C-related tests, it is generally not a requirement. Your mother should feel reassured that her healthcare team is equipped to interpret her results accurately, even if she did not fast for the blood draw. If there are any concerns about the results or the treatment plan, open communication with her healthcare provider is key.

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