A Complete Guide to Fasting Before a Health Checkup | If you're confused about meal, water, and fasting times, read this.

I get a health checkup every odd year.

Many of you are confused about fasting before a health checkup, right?
When should I eat, can I drink water, how long should I fast...

If you miss this basic information, it will be difficult to conduct an accurate examination and you may have to go through a re-examination.

In this article, I'll explain everything about fasting before a health checkup in a simple and easy way!

Why is fasting before a health checkup important?

 

The reason you must fast before your checkup is very simple.

If you consume food or water, blood test results may be distorted or the accuracy of tests such as gastroscopy may decrease.
In severe cases, you may not be able to get tested at all or may have to undergo a retest, so you must be very careful.

 

How long can I eat before a health checkup?

 

For most checkups, you can eat until 9 PM the night before the checkup, and you must fast after that.

In particular, it is better to stop eating fatty foods and meats quickly because they take a long time to digest.

 

■ Recommended meal: Light meal with porridge or soup
■ Prohibited foods: Spicy foods such as meat, fried foods, dairy products, and coffee

 

Fasting time before a health checkup varies depending on the test?

 

Fasting guidelines vary depending on the type of test. See the table below.

 

Types of inspection	Fasting time standard
blood test	Fasting for at least 8 hours
gastroscopy	Fasting for at least 8 hours
colonoscopy	Fasting and taking a bowel cleanser the day before the test
Abdominal ultrasound	Fasting for at least 6 hours (water is also restricted)

 

Standards may vary slightly from hospital to hospital, so be sure to check when making a reservation.

 

Anyone getting an endoscopy this year? 🙋‍♀️

 

Is it okay to drink water before a health checkup?

 

You may drink small amounts of water, but this may vary depending on the type of test.

 

• ■ Blood test: Water possible (small amount)
  ■ Gastroscopy: It is recommended to refrain from eating for 2-3 hours before the examination.
  ■ Abdominal ultrasound: Water restriction (no food in the stomach)
•  

If you are very thirsty, take only one or two sips and try to maintain fasting as much as possible.

 

Are there any foods I should avoid before a health checkup?

 

Of course. You should avoid foods that take a long time to digest.

 

• ■ Meat, fried foods
  ■ Milk, dairy products
  ■ Coffee, carbonated drinks
  ■ Fruits and foods with seeds
•  

For the evening before the examination, we strongly recommend eating light, easily digestible food.

 

Meat + Fried Food Example

What tests are included in the general health checkup fasting test?

 

Implemented by the National Health Insurance Corporation Fasting is also required for general health checkups.

They told me that when I made the reservation.

 

• ■ Blood test, urine test, chest X-ray → Usually no fasting required
  ■ Fasting is required when undergoing gastroscopy or abdominal ultrasound!
•  

Check in advance what tests you are taking and adjust your fasting time accordingly!

 

Of course you can't drink alcohol before a health checkup, right?

 

Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Drinking alcohol the day before can cause inaccurate test results due to distortion of liver function test results and increased blood pressure.

What's even scarier is that many people get re-examined because of alcohol... Avoid it at all costs!

 

Are alcohol and cigarettes prohibited the day before a health checkup?

 

• ■ Alcohol: It is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol for two days in advance, including the day before.
  ■ Smoking: Do not smoke on the morning of the test (especially for gastroscopy)
•  

Smoking can irritate the stomach and affect the results of the endoscopy.

 

If I make a mistake while fasting, will I have to retake the test? What should I watch out for?

 

• ■ If you accidentally drink water or eat a snack, be sure to notify the hospital.
  ■ The examination may be postponed or re-examined.
  ■ For the accuracy of the test, you must strictly fast.
•  

Health Checkup Day Tips (Water, Clothing, Precautions)

 

• ■ Limit water intake as much as possible, and only consume small amounts when necessary.
  ■ Dress comfortably and simply (easy to take off)
  ■ Minimize use of precious metals, cosmetics, etc.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Is it forbidden to drink water after 9 PM the night before the health checkup?
A. You may drink small amounts of water, but it is recommended that you do not drink water 2-3 hours before the test.

 

Q. I made a mistake while fasting. Can I still get tested?
A. Be sure to notify the hospital and follow their instructions. There is a possibility that the examination may be postponed or re-examined.

 

Q. Can I consider coffee or juice as water?
A. No. Both coffee and juice are considered food and are a violation of the fast.

 

 

finish

Accurate results are most important when it comes to screening.
Be sure to remember the fasting information before your health checkup that we provided today, so you can prepare without making any mistakes!

After the examination, recover with a light meal.
Please take care of the results according to the medical staff's instructions!

 

After the examination, recover with a light meal.
Please take care of the results according to the medical staff's instructions ☺️☺️

 

 

 

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