Preparing for Your Blood Test: How to Get the Most Accurate Results
Blood tests are one of the most valuable tools we have for understanding what’s happening inside your body. They help screen for disease, highlight red flags, and provide important markers we can monitor over time. But did you know the way you prepare for your blood test can significantly affect your results?
Here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your results are as accurate and useful as possible.
Key things to do before your blood test
Don’t overfast
If your test requires fasting, aim for the standard 8–12 hours. Fasting for too long can affect your blood sugar and other results.
Skip exercise the day before
Intense workouts (like heavy lifting, long runs, or high-intensity classes) can temporarily change liver enzymes, kidney markers, and muscle-related proteins in your blood. Keep activity light in the 24 hours leading up to your test.
Book your test first thing in the morning
Morning tests are ideal because hormones, blood sugar, and cholesterol are most stable then.
Prioritise sleep and skip alcohol
Poor sleep or alcohol the night before can affect cortisol, glucose, and liver function results. Aim for a restful night.
Know your cycle day (for hormone testing)
If you’re testing hormones, timing matters. Most commonly, day 3 or day 20 of your cycle is recommended. Always note which day of your cycle you’re on when you get your blood drawn.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can make your blood thicker, which may impact kidney function and electrolyte readings. A glass or two of water before your test is helpful.
Eat normally in the days leading up
What you eat the day before can influence results. For example, a big iron-rich meal could alter iron studies, or a sugar binge the night before could skew glucose. Stick to your usual, balanced diet for the most accurate snapshot.
Don’t stress about perfection
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all these factors, but remember: blood tests are just one snapshot in time. A single abnormal reading does not equal a diagnosis. Doctors and practitioners use multiple tests, ideally every 6–12 months, to recognise patterns and track changes.
Your best approach is to prepare as well as you can, keep these factors in mind, and view blood test results as part of the bigger picture of your health.
Get a second opinion
Not sure what your blood test results really mean, or wondering which tests are actually worth running for your symptoms? My Decode Your Health session is designed to give you a second opinion and help you cut through the overwhelm.
Together we’ll:
Review your current symptoms and history
Identify which blood tests or investigations are most relevant for you
Map out the next steps so you can feel confident moving forward
You’ll walk away with clarity and a clear direction for your health.
Plus you can use your new client offer for this online session! See new client discount offer here.
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(Information provided is educational and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional for individual guidance.)
