can you eat before blood work

You generally should not eat before blood work if your doctor has instructed you to fast, typically for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Eating or drinking anything other than water during this fasting period can affect the accuracy of certain blood tests by altering levels of nutrients, sugars, and fats in your bloodstream. However, not all blood tests require fasting, so it is essential to follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions. Drinking plain water is allowed and encouraged to stay hydrated during fasting. If you accidentally eat before a fasting blood test, inform the healthcare provider, as your results might be affected and may require retesting.