How to Prepare for a Cholesterol Screening

Cholesterol screenings provide the patient and her doctor with a thorough review of the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream. A full lipid test reveals the levels of HDL, LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides, according to the National Institutes of Health. Preparation for the test requires following certain procedures to ensure your test has the most accurate results. Not following your doctor's instructions before the screening may result in a wrong diagnosis.

Instructions

• 1

  Consume a light meal the evening before the cholesterol screening. Foods such as grilled chicken and salad do not take as long to digest as fatty or greasy foods that may lie in your stomach.

• 2

  Avoid eating any foods or drinking sugary beverages nine to 12 hours before the cholesterol screening. You may drink water, but avoid coffee and teas.

• 3

  Follow your doctor's orders to stop taking medications before the screening. Certain medications may disrupt the accuracy of the cholesterol test.