What steps should you take to ensure fasting status is correct for tests requiring fasting?

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Ensuring accurate fasting status hinges on confirming exactly when the patient last ate or drank, so the test results reflect a true fasting baseline. Start by checking the requisition for any fasting instructions, then verify with the patient the time of their last oral intake (including meals, drinks, and other allowed or disallowed items). Collect the specimen after the specified fasting interval so the results aren’t skewed by recent intake. If the patient did not fast or if there’s any doubt, document the nonfasting status on the report and inform the clinician, as this may necessitate retesting or adjusted interpretation. This careful approach prevents misinterpretation of results for tests that are affected by recent meals, such as lipid panels or glucose testing; simply relying on the time of day or skipping fasting instructions would not ensure accuracy.