can you drink water before a fasting blood draw

Yes, you can drink water before a fasting blood draw. In fact, drinking plain water is encouraged while fasting because it helps keep you hydrated and makes it easier for the healthcare provider to find your veins for the blood draw. You should avoid any other drinks, including coffee, juice, tea, or flavored water, as these can affect the test results. The typical fasting period is about 8 to 12 hours where you only consume water and no food or other beverages.