Optimal Fasting Time before Measurement of Serum Triglyceride Levels in Healthy Volunteers
Surapun Pongsuthana MD*, Naris Tivatunsakul MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Medicine, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Coronary heart disease is a major public health problem. Elevated triglyceride levels are a risk factor for
atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Food intake interferes with the measurement of serum triglyceride levels, and in
previous studies, fasting for 12 hours was recommended before blood sampling. In real-world practice, long fasting times
cause patient discomfort and poor compliance, and the present study was, therefore, designed to determine the appropriate
fasting time prior to measuring serum triglyceride levels.
Objective : To determine the appropriate fasting time before measuring serum triglyceride levels.
Material and Method: This was a pilot study performed using healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 30 years old from
November 2013 to December 2013 at Rajavithi Hospital. The first blood sample was measured in the morning after fasting
over 12 hours. The subjects then took their regular breakfast, after which they fasted for 8 hours. Blood samples were taken
6 and 8 hours later and sent to the laboratory for measurement of serum triglyceride levels.
Results : 40 volunteers, of whom 25 were female, were enrolled. Their mean age was 25.9+2.81 years old, and their mean
weight, height, and body mass index were 61.5+12.5 kg, 167.2+8.3 cm and 21.84+3.1 kg/m2, respectively. Mean fasting
serum triglyceride level at 12 hours was 80.23+36.33 mg/dl, at 6 hours it was 110.65+73.45 mg/dl, and at 8 hours it was
75.62+46.81 mg/dl. The group fasting for 12 hours had significantly lower serum triglyceride levels than the group fasting
for 6 hours (p-value = 0.003), but no significant difference was found between the group fasting for 12 hours and the one
fasting for 8 hours (p-value = 0.493).
Conclusion : The present study showed no significant difference in triglyceride levels in patients who had fasted for 8 hours
and those who had done so for 12 hours. Fasting for only 8 hours before measurement of serum triglyceride may be sufficient.
Keywords : Fasting, Optimal time, Triglyceride, Healthy
